From the US to the UK: Countries with highest population of non-vegetarians

New Delhi: In 2024, despite the global shift towards plant-based eating, some countries are still strongly committed to meat consumption due to cultural, economic, and personal factors. These dietary habits shed light on these nations’ cultural identity and social norms and challenge global nutritional shifts. Let us look at the countries that have the highest population of non-vegetarians.

List of countries that have the highest population of non-vegetarians

United States

The United States strongly prefers meat-based dishes despite a growing number of people embracing plant-based diets. A robust agricultural industry supports this preference.

Australia

Australia’s barbecue culture is a key part of its national identity. The country consumes a lot of meat, particularly beef and lamb. Due to its extensive pastoral lands, Australia is a major player in the global meat market. Outdoor cooking and gatherings also make meat a central dietary staple.

Argentina

Argentina is famous for its high-quality beef; its residents are among the top meat consumers globally. The tradition of the ‘asado’—a social barbecue event—is a cornerstone of Argentine culinary culture, showcasing the deep cultural significance of meat in society.

Brazil

In Brazil, meat is a key component of the national cuisine, with Brazilian barbecues, or ‘churrascos’, being famous worldwide.

Canada

Canadians consume a lot of meat, including beef, pork, and poultry. Traditional dishes like poutine and tourtière often include meat. The meat industry is significant in Canada due to its expansive agricultural landscape.

France

France has a tradition of meat-centric cuisine, with dishes like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and various charcuteries. French culinary traditions focus on enhancing flavours and creating sophisticated dishes, sustaining a high demand for meat products.

South Korea

South Korea features traditional vegetarian dishes alongside meat-heavy cuisines, with Korean barbecue being an essential part of the food culture. The dietary landscape varies between urban and rural areas.

China

China’s dietary habits are shifting, with pork as the most consumed meat, followed by poultry. Increased meat consumption is tied to urbanisation and economic growth, but health and sustainability concerns lead some to reduce meat intake.

Russia

In Russia, meat has always been an important part of the diet. Popular Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and stroganoff are made with meat. The cold weather means people need foods that give them a lot of energy, and meat is an important source.

United Kingdom

The UK has a varied diet, and many people still prefer meat, even though there is a growing trend towards vegetarianism and veganism. Traditional British dishes like roast beef and fish and chips are still popular, showing that the preference for meat is enduring.

Despite the increasing global interest in vegetarianism, the following ten countries demonstrate the enduring significance of meat in their cultures and culinary traditions. Whether driven by tradition, preference, or economic considerations, these nations maintain a strong preference for animal proteins as we progress through 2024.

 The global population of non-vegetarians exceeds that of vegetarians by a significant margin due to the high protein content in meat, fish, and poultry. Over 350 million tonnes of meat are produced annually worldwide.   knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge