Top 20 Countries That Eat the Most and Least Protein Per Capita

Proteins are considered the building blocks of life. Every cell of the body contains protein, which is made up of amino acids. Protein plays a vital role in practically every cell function, including metabolic processes such as digestion, forming blood cells, immune response, regulating hormones, making body chemicals, communication between brain cells, neurotransmitter construction, and building muscle, bone, skin, hair, and nails. Protein is required in your diet because it is used to repair cells and create new ones. Protein is especially important for healthy growth and development in children, teenagers, and pregnant women.

This infographic from How To Cook Recipes explores protein consumption worldwide, visualizing the countries that eat the most protein and the countries that eat the least protein:

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Top 20 Countries That Eat the Most and Least Protein Per Capita

What Country Eats the Most Protein?

According to data from OurWorldinData.org, Iceland, Hong Kong, and Lithuania consume the most protein per capita. Here are the top 15 countries that eat the most protein per capita per day:

  1. Iceland: 141.01 grams per capita
  2. Hong Kong: 137.93 grams per capita
  3. Lithuania: 125.18 grams per capita
  4. Israel: 122.70 grams per capita
  5. Albania: 119.55 grams per capita
  6. Finland: 117.78 grams per capita
  7. Malta: 116.35 grams per capita
  8. Portugal: 114.49 grams per capita
  9. United States: 113.73 grams per capita
  10. Montenegro: 113.31 grams per capita
  11. Denmark: 113.05 grams per capita
  12. France: 112.09 grams per capita
  13. Norway: 110.16 grams per capita
  14. Austria: 108.13 grams per capita
  15. Australia: 108.10 grams per capita

Which Countries Eat the Least Protein?

Here are the top 15 countries that eat the least protein per capita per day:

  1. Liberia: 39.89 grams per capita
  2. Madagascar: 42.94 grams per capita
  3. Guinea-Bissau: 44.15 grams per capita
  4. Ethiopia: 45.93 grams per capita
  5. Central African Republic: 46.44 grams per capita
  6. Haiti: 49.94 grams per capita
  7. Zimbabwe: 51.21 grams per capita
  8. Mozambique: 51.21 grams per capita
  9. São Tomé and Principe: 52.05 grams per capita
  10. North Korea: 52.25 grams per capita
  11. Uganda: 52.35 grams per capita
  12. Yemen: 53.23 grams per capita
  13. Solomon Islands: 53.66 grams per capita
  14. Afghanistan: 54.09 grams per capita
  15. Angola: 54.11 grams per capita

What Is the Most Eaten Meat in the World?

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most consumed meat in the world (36%), followed closely by poultry (33%), beef (24%), and goats/sheep (5%). However, it is important to note that protein consumption by country does not directly equate with which country has the highest meat consumption. There are many different sources of protein beyond poultry, seafood, red meat, and dairy. Other quality sources of protein include legumes such as lentils and beans, nuts and seeds, whole grains such as oats and quinoa, and even some vegetables such as peas and brussels sprouts.

 

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This page was last updated by Megan Miller