Finding tasty, protein-rich foods that suit your taste can be challenging. Many people stick to familiar meat options, missing out on flavorful alternatives eaten worldwide.
Not knowing these choices limits your cooking and eating experiences.
Good news: the world of meat dishes offers more variety than you might think. From everyday staples to special occasion foods, different cultures have mastered unique ways to enjoy various meats.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 17 most popular meats eaten globally.
You’ll learn what makes each type special, where it is consumed, and why millions of people choose these proteins as part of their daily meals.
Popular Meats Enjoyed Around the World
1. Chicken
Chicken is the most widely consumed meat globally due to its affordability, versatility, and relatively low environmental impact compared to other meats.
It is a rich source of protein and can be cooked in a variety of ways — grilled, fried, baked, or stewed — making it a staple in many cuisines around the world.
- Popular Dish: Fried chicken, Chicken curry, Chicken shawarma
- Where It Is Consumed: Widely consumed in the United States, China, India, Brazil, and many parts of Europe and Africa.
2. Pork
Pork ranks second in global consumption, prized for its tender texture and rich flavor. It is often found in dishes such as sausages, bacon, and roasts.
While pork holds cultural and religious significance in many regions, it remains a staple in Europe, East Asia, and Latin America.
- Popular Dish: Pork schnitzel, Char siu, Carnitas
- Where It Is Consumed: Commonly consumed in China, the U.S., Germany, Brazil, and parts of Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe.
3. Beef
Beef is known for its rich flavor and is often seen as a premium meat. It is commonly featured in steaks, burgers, roasts, and stews, particularly in countries with strong beef production like Argentina, the U.S., and Australia.
- Popular Dish: Beef steak, Beef Wellington, Asado
- Where It Is Consumed: Most popular in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and Canada, with significant consumption in Europe.
4. Lamb
It is often associated with celebratory meals and is popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines. Its rich taste makes it a favorite for roasting, grilling, and stewing.
- Popular Dish: Lamb chops, Lamb curry, Roast lamb
- Where It Is Consumed: Consumed widely in the Middle East, India, Australia, the U.K., and parts of the Mediterranean.
5. Goat
Goat meat is lean and flavorful, often considered healthier than other red meats.
It is commonly used in stews, curries, and grilled dishes, especially in Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Caribbean. It has a unique taste and is favored in many traditional dishes.
- Popular Dish: Goat curry, Goat biryani, Grilled goat
- Where It Is Consumed: Predominantly in India, the Caribbean, parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Central America.
6. Turkey
Turkey is a lean meat, often associated with festive meals and holiday celebrations. It is particularly popular in North America but is also consumed in many parts of Europe and Asia.
Its mild flavor and versatility make it suitable for roasting, grilling, and even as ground meat.
- Popular Dish: Roast turkey, Turkey sandwiches, Turkey stew
- Where It Is Consumed: Widely consumed in the United States, Canada, Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
7. Duck
Duck meat is rich and flavorful, often preferred for its fatty texture. It is a delicacy in various cuisines, especially in Chinese, French, and European cooking.
Duck is commonly roasted, confit, or served in stews, making it a luxurious choice for special occasions.
- Popular Dish: Peking duck, Duck confit, Duck à l’orange
- Where It Is Consumed: Popular in China, France, the U.K., and parts of Southeast Asia.
8. Buffalo
Buffalo meat, particularly from water buffalo, is leaner and richer in flavor compared to beef. It is known for its tenderness and lower fat content, making it a healthier alternative to other red meats.
Buffalo is often used in steaks, burgers, and curries, and is a common meat in regions where bison or water buffalo are raised.
- Popular Dish: Buffalo wings, Buffalo steak, Buffalo curry
- Where It Is Consumed: Popular in India, the U.S., parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia.
9. Fish (Various Types)
Fish is one of the most widely consumed sources of protein globally. It is low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy option.
There are numerous types of fish, each offering unique flavors and textures, and it is cooked in a variety of ways — grilled, fried, steamed, or raw.
- Popular Dish: Fish and chips, Sushi, Grilled salmon
- Where It Is Consumed: Popular worldwide, particularly in coastal regions, such as the U.S., Japan, Norway, and parts of Southeast Asia.
10. Mutton
Mutton, which comes from older sheep, is known for its stronger flavor compared to lamb. It is a staple in many cuisines across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe.
Mutton is often slow-cooked in curries, stews, and roasts, making it perfect for long, flavorful preparations.
- Popular Dish: Mutton curry, Mutton kebabs, Mutton stew
- Where It Is Consumed: Commonly consumed in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe.
11. Venison (Deer)
Venison is the meat of deer and is prized for its lean, gamey flavor. It is a popular meat in hunting cultures and is typically found in stews, steaks, and sausages.
Its rich taste makes it a choice for gourmet cooking, particularly in European and North American cuisines.
- Popular Dish: Venison stew, Venison steaks, Venison sausages
- Where It Is Consumed: Consumed in parts of North America, Europe, and some areas in Africa.
12. Rabbit
Rabbit meat is lean, high in protein, and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is commonly used in European and Mediterranean cuisines, especially in stews and roasts.
Rabbit meat is considered a delicacy in many regions and is known for its tenderness when cooked properly.
- Popular Dish: Rabbit stew, Rabbit pie, Braised rabbit
- Where It Is Consumed: Commonly consumed in France, Spain, Italy, parts of Eastern Europe, and Latin America.
13. Bison
Bison meat is leaner than beef but offers a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It is considered a healthier alternative to beef, and its consumption is growing in North America.
Bison is typically used in steaks, burgers, and stews, and it is known for its tenderness and lower fat content.
- Popular Dish: Bison burger, Bison steak, Bison chili
- Where It Is Consumed: Primarily in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe.
14. Horse
Horse meat is lean, tender, and slightly sweet, and it is a common meat in various cultures, particularly in parts of Europe and Central Asia.
It is often used in steaks, sausages, and stews. While less common in many countries, horse meat remains a delicacy in regions with a long history of equine consumption.
- Popular Dish: Horse steak, Horse meat stew, Salami (horse meat)
- Where It Is Consumed: Common in countries like Italy, France, Japan, and parts of Central Asia.
15. Goose
Goose is a rich, flavorful meat, often enjoyed during festive occasions. It is fattier than duck, and its meat has a deep, gamey flavor. Goose is particularly popular in European cuisine, where it is often roasted or prepared in a confit style.
- Popular Dish: Roast goose, Goose pâté, Goose confit
- Where It Is Consumed: Popular in Germany, France, the U.K., and parts of Eastern Europe.
16. Kangaroo
Kangaroo meat is lean, high in protein, and has a slightly gamey flavor. It is becoming more popular in Australia and internationally due to its environmental sustainability.
Kangaroo is often used in steaks, sausages, and burgers, and is considered a healthy meat option due to its low fat content.
- Popular Dish: Kangaroo steaks, Kangaroo burgers, Kangaroo stew
- Where It Is Consumed: Primarily consumed in Australia, with growing popularity in some parts of Europe.
17. Guinea Pig
Guinea pig, known as “cuy” in South America, is a traditional dish in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It has a mild, tender meat that is often roasted or fried.
Guinea pig is an important part of Andean culture and is often served during special occasions and celebrations.
- Popular Dish: Roasted guinea pig, Guinea pig stew, Fried guinea pig
- Where It Is Consumed: Common in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and parts of the Andean region.
Conclusion
In exploring these 18 widely consumed meats across the globe, we’ve seen how different cultures make unique choices in their protein sources.
From common options like chicken and beef to less familiar selections such as ostrich and kangaroo, each type of meat brings its own nutritional benefits and cultural significance to dinner tables worldwide.
Why does this matter? Understanding global meat consumption patterns helps us make informed choices about our own diets and opens our minds to new culinary possibilities.
These options might help you add variety to your meals or find better alternatives that suit your dietary needs.
Ready to try something new? Start with one unfamiliar meat from our list and look up local suppliers or restaurants that serve it. Share your experience in the comments below!
