Top 5 Countries That Eat the Most Chicken (2026)

Chicken has become the world's most popular meat. Every year, about 50 billion chickens are consumed globally – an incredible 137 million per day. But which countries are driving this massive appetite?

Over the past century, chicken has overtaken beef and pork as the world's favorite meat, and that trend is only set to continue. Global poultry meat consumption is expected to rise to over 151 million metric tons in 2025, according to USDA projections. The answer to who eats the most chicken depends on how you measure it – by total volume or per person.

Here are the top 5 countries that eat the most chicken, broken down by total consumption and per capita intake, based on 2025-2026 data.

Top 5 Countries by Total Chicken Consumption (Overall Volume)

These are the world's biggest chicken eaters in terms of total metric tons consumed annually. China tops the list due to its massive population, followed by the United States and Brazil.

China ranks first globally in total chicken consumption due to its population of over 1.4 billion people. The United States, despite having a much smaller population, consumes nearly as much chicken overall and far more per person. Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, is also the third-largest consumer. Russia and Mexico round out the top five.

According to World Population Review data, the top five consuming countries are China, the US, Brazil, Russia and Mexico. Americans in 2025 on average consumed 46.8kg of chicken meat and are forecast to increase this to 47kg this year. Brazil ranks as the third-largest poultry producer, following China, and the leading exporter, responsible for 35% of total chicken exports in 2024.

Top 5 Countries by Per Capita Chicken Consumption (Most per Person)

When measuring chicken consumption per individual, the rankings look very different. Small island nations and countries with strong poultry industries dominate the list.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks #1 globally for chicken consumption at 94.1 kg per capita. Poultry's efficiency, low cost, and ease of freezing make it the backbone protein for many island economies – a reminder that chicken isn't just a "healthy choice," but often the default protein of global trade. Tonga follows closely at 90.6 kg per capita, while the Marshall Islands consumes 74.8 kg per person.

The United States, despite ranking second in total volume, leads the world by a wide margin in per-capita chicken intake among major economies. Americans consume more than 50 kilograms of chicken per person annually, making chicken the most popular meat in the country. Malaysia ranks third in the world for chicken consumption per capita, with the average person eating about 49kg of chicken a year. Only the US and Israel consume more.

Why Chicken Is So Popular

Chicken's global dominance is driven by several factors. It is generally more affordable than red meat, cooks faster, and fits into a wide range of cuisines. Dishes like biryani, fried chicken, grilled chicken, tikka and soups are staples in many countries, contributing to its global appeal.

Global poultry meat consumption is expected to rise to over 151 million metric tons in 2025. The USDA projects that the U.S. will lead in global chicken meat production at 21.7 million MT in 2025, followed by China at 15.3 million MT and Brazil at 15.1 million MT. The increase in poultry meat consumption in the last decade was driven by rising consumption in Asia.

However, rising demand has placed pressure on the poultry industry. Higher feed costs, supply-chain disruptions and increased production expenses have all contributed to rising prices. Despite these challenges, chicken remains the most accessible and widely consumed animal protein worldwide.

What Happens Next?

As global populations grow and incomes rise, chicken consumption is expected to continue increasing. The OECD-FAO projects that global poultry consumption will reach 173 million metric tons ready-to-cook by 2034, accounting for 62% of the additional meat consumed globally.

• Production Growth: The U.S., China and Brazil will continue to lead global production, with emerging markets like India, Indonesia and Vietnam showing strong growth potential.
• Price Volatility: Feed costs and supply chain disruptions remain key challenges. Countries heavily dependent on imported feed grains, like Malaysia, face particular vulnerability.
• Dietary Shifts: As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, demand for plant-based proteins may grow, but chicken's affordability and versatility ensure it will remain a staple for decades to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which country eats the most chicken in total?

A1: China is the world's largest consumer of chicken in absolute terms, consuming 24,436 kilotons annually. This is due to its massive population of over 1.4 billion people.

Q2: Which country eats the most chicken per person?

A2: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranks #1 globally for chicken consumption per capita at 94.1 kg per person. Tonga (90.6 kg) and the Marshall Islands (74.8 kg) follow closely.

Q3: How much chicken does the average American eat?

A3: Americans consume more than 50 kilograms of chicken per person annually. In 2025, the average American consumed 46.8kg of chicken meat and is forecast to increase this to 47kg in 2026.

Q4: Is chicken the most consumed meat in the world?

A4: Yes. Chicken has overtaken beef and pork as the world's favorite meat. Every year, about 50 billion chickens are consumed globally – an incredible 137 million per day.

Final Thoughts

Chicken's rise to global dominance is a story of affordability, versatility, and adaptability. From the bustling markets of China to the small island nations of the Caribbean, chicken has become the world's default protein. While China leads in total volume and small island nations dominate per capita consumption, the United States remains the world's most enthusiastic chicken-eating major economy. As global demand continues to rise, the poultry industry will face new challenges – but one thing is certain: the world's appetite for chicken shows no signs of slowing down.