22 Most Consumed Food In The World Today
In our effort to understand the culinary landscape that shapes our global palate, we look at the most consumed food from around the world. From the busy streets of the United States to the traditional kitchens of the Middle East, the range of key ingredients and cooking methods exemplifies global cuisine. Each meal, whether it is South America’s basic white rice or various countries’ sweet potatoes, conveys a story of cultural heritage, agricultural richness, and culinary inventiveness. Remember that not all meals are consumed equally in different countries. However, they are based on global statistics. Having said that, these are the twenty-two most popular foods in the world today.
Pasta
[Image by SeriousEats.com]
You can ask most Americans, and there is guarantee that most of them eat pasta in their lives; even those who have a strict diet were once a pasta eater for sure. Pasta is an Italian staple food that has reached worldwide popularity and has invaded other continents like Asia and America. Pasta is one of the most consumed food in the world.
Although it may not be a staple food in other continents, pasta seems to be liked for a great lunch or dinner. Pasta refers to anything made from flour, wheat flour, grass flour and more. The types of pasta cooking also come in diversified methods and ingredients in the mixture. This means that you may have assumed that noodle-meal you ate was just a random soup but it very well could have been a type of pasta.
Rice
[Image by Simply Recipes]
Yes, rice comes in the second position of the most consumed food in the world.. This is not a surprise since most Asian countries have rice as their staple food. With billions living in the area, naturally things would get eaten a great deal. We’re talking about regions such as China, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. All of which are widely known for their wide range of rice cooking, from plain rice to steamed rice and more. It is in fact, a historical food.
Agricultural countries own some of the largest rice fields in the world that obtaining a good quality rice is definitely easy in these regions. What’s more, any flavor you boil with your rice will create a great aroma as the result of infusion. Today, brown rice and black rice are marketed in Western society due to its many benefits for health. The Japanese use sticky rice to make their authentic sushi and for some Asians, there is nothing quite like rice to become an alternative choice of their staple food.
Pizza
[Image by MysticPizza.com]
Regardless of how you top your pizza, this food is one of the most eaten dishes in the world. Coming all the way from Italy, pizza can actually be eaten for any meal. Yes, breakfast pizzas are a thing! The toppings are varied in terms of ingredients and it is one of the most modified foods in the world.
13% of Americans eat pizza daily, not to mention other countries outside the States that have made pizza as their snacks. From Calzone to Neapolitan, pizza is just as famous as ice cream in the dessert row. It is a fact that Americans alone consume 300 slices per day on average. Pizza was once a royal dish that would only be served during formal occasions.
Today, it is the people’s food. You can top it with berries or just mushrooms and bacon and cheese. Really, you can eat it with anything. Even without tomato sauce. The easiness and the quick delivery may be the reason why pizza gained popularity like a rocket ship into space.
Read More: Top 5 American Pizza Styles That Will Make Your Mouth Water
Chicken
[Image by Parade]
Oh yes, from chicken noodle soup to things like chicken sandwiches people consume chicken over all available poultry. The basic ingredient is chicken meat, and that is it. Meaning you can do whatever with it, making it a universal food that can be consumed at any time.
As people began to be more concerned about their health, chicken really began to take over the dining table. Over the fifteen years alone, chicken consumption rose. Funny enough, it had all years prior too. Now as surprising as it may seem, chicken is in first place on the list of favorite meats, even before beef.
It is not certain whether chicken has more delicious taste, or is it just that chicken is less expensive than beef more often than not. As a popular product, chicken is so it is used with anything. You can cook it for any meal as well. Moreover, chicken is healthier than red meat. As a better option from a health and finance perspective, people turn to chicken for various meals and buy a lot of it at local stores. Lest we forget, the fast food chains offer chicken too!
Eggs
[Image by CBS News]
As a product of chicken of which we will never know came first or second, the egg is the most popular food that comes in a shell originally. It is by far one of the most consumed food in the world. The idea to make a simple scrambled egg or eggs Benedict for breakfast is what makes it very popular to people.
From east to west, people use eggs as their food ingredients for multiple dishes. Not to mention, it is a popular baking ingredient for things like cake and brownies. Due to the wide use of eggs, plus the benefits it provides, the egg ranks as one of the most useful foods to have in your home. It seems that any meal could use some form of it in some way. With it being a good source of protein, there is always a use for it for any diet.
There are people with egg allergies, but despite this, the egg has managed to retain its popularity among humans. Animals hunt eggs from various animals as a source of nutrients too. This means that in the end times, we will kill the next door neighbor’s cat if we have to. Mr. McFluffins had it coming!
Spinach
[Image by WeatherAndEconomics.com]
It is a surprising thing that spinach makes it on the list. Considering we’re far away from the time of Popeye using it for super powers. However, Popeye help push spinach sales due to the fact that he would use it to become big and strong. Thus, this made kids and those who aged believe they needed it to grow up healthy and stay that way.
Spinach, as a green source, can add loads of health benefits and it contains various vitamins. Moreover, this versatile vegetable can be mixed with other ingredients for pizza topping, pie filling, or simply sautéed with onions. Many recipes also encourage the use of spinach to replace other veggie ingredients on the list. With that being known, spinach is a most consumed food in the world today. Also, due to the ability to grow it in various places, you can find spinach all over the world. This makes the accessibility much easier and thus, makes it a popular food to consume.
Ice Cream
[Image by Bravo TV]
Ice cream is the dessert we love most it seems. From childhood to adulthood, who doesn’t like a scoop of ice cream? It is what the American refrigerators have to have. However, it is not only Americans who consume this great food. Ice cream is the most popular dessert in the world and many parlors offer the sweet treat in various flavors and styles.
Despite the unclear history, the trend of healthy ice cream has taken over other types of foods. It is also a cheap dessert, unlike tiramisu, or other cake-formed sweet tooth. The cool nature of ice cream is what makes it a hot selling item during the summer, anywhere in the world. Each country has their own unique character of ice cream modifications. The Italians alone have their take on an intensely sweet ice cream they call Gelato.
The trend in Italy with their type of ice cream became very popular, thus making it a hot selling item all over the world. Versions of this are also known as Italian Ice, which could literally be found anywhere close to you with a simple Google search to confirm.
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Popular Ice Cream Flavors
Chinese Food
[Image by Huffington Post]
Chinese food or simply “food” in China, has become a staple across several countries. The food has diversified in types, however, the dumpling noodles, steam buns, and roasted pork seem to conquer all continents at once. Chinese food has become popular as a takeout dish in America, as well as a sit-down show restaurant where people make food in front of you. Japanese food falls in this category too, but the Chinese seem to know how to connect in every way from takeout and show to simple buffets and sit-down establishments. Lest we forget the ever popular sushi now served to be a slap to the Japanese in many establishments.
You can find staple of Chinese foods in markets around the world. This is not a surprise as the Chinese population outnumbers most any other ethnicity when it comes to immigrants. You can find a Chinese town almost anywhere around the globe, even in a non-Chinese country like England! Given this fact, the food becomes a culture that every immigrant brings to their destination. Thus, the food has grown in massive ways all over the world and is now something most every developed country has around.
Bread
For millennia, bread has been a staple of human civilization, ubiquitous in its versatility, affordability and cultural significance. From the French baguette to Indian naan, Middle Eastern pita to Mexican tortilla, bread is tightly woven into the fabric of countless cultures. It is more than a mere tradition, sustained by its accessibility and universality. It is made with wheat, one of the world’s most widely grown and traded commodities, forever woven into the tapestry of global society.
In our fast-paced lifestyles, bread remains a fundamental and accessible source of nourishment, providing a nutritional blend of fiber, carbohydrates, and sometimes protein. In an age of convenience, it is a swift and easy means of sustenance, all from the comfort of toasted buttered slices or as a classic sandwich.
As a staple of the culinary world, bread has earned its reputation both in and out of the kitchen. Its enduring popularity is remarkable – not merely universal, but thoroughly deserved.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a globally cherished crop for many reasons. It’s their remarkable ability to adapt to diverse climates and ease in cultivation that has made them a staple crop across continents. This hardy vegetable thrives in a range of environmental conditions from the rugged terrains of Peru to the rich plains of Ireland, thus lending to its widespread availability and consumption.
Furthermore, potatoes are a versatile food source, beloved for their culinary flexibility. Boiled, baked, roasted, fried, or mashed, they serve as the primary ingredient in a multitude of dishes across a wide range of cuisines. Think about French fries in America, gnocchi in Italy, samosas in India, or potato pancakes in Germany!
The nutritional value of potatoes is yet another reason they remain immensely popular. Carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, chiefly vitamin C and potassium, make potatoes a staple in many people’s diets and provide essential nutrients. Potatoes are served as sides, comfort foods, and hearty mains, thus securing their place in kitchens and menus worldwide.
Milk
Milk is an incredibly popular food worldwide and it’s not hard to see why. Packed with both calcium and protein, it’s an essential part of countless diets across the globe, offering vital support for growth and development. Milk is also an incredibly versatile ingredient, lending itself well to everything from breakfast cereals and coffee to yogurts, cheeses, and baked goods.
It’s not just milk’s nutritional value and versatility that make it such a beloved addition to so many of our diets. Across the globe there are countless varieties available to fit every taste and dietary requirement.
Moreover, dairy farming is an indispensable global industry, making milk readily available in many regions. So it’s really no surprise that milk consistently ranks among the most consumed food in the world.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes reign supreme as one of the world’s most consumed foods, adding their unique flavor to countless dishes across diverse cuisines. Their versatility is unparalleled; whether relishing them raw in crisp salads, savoring them as sauces, hearty stews or soups; or packaging them as ketchup, paste or canned versions – tomatoes steal the show.
These fruits are packed full of nutritious goodness. Beneath their luscious red hue, a treasure trove of essential vitamins (including C and K), minerals, and antioxidants (like lycopene) lay waiting to elevate your health. Their significant role in popular cuisines like Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean ensure that tomatoes find themselves on every plate across the globe.
From being the base in your pasta sauce to the tangy zest in your salsa, the tomato’s universal appeal and adaptability easily make it one of the most evident consumables on our planet.
Bananas
Bananas are a universally popular fruit loved for their taste, convenience, and nutritional benefits. Their natural sweetness makes them a versatile food ideal for a range of meals, from breakfast cereals to savory dishes.
Nutritionally, bananas are packed with benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, they also contain suitably high amounts of vitamin B6, which helps to convert food into energy. It’s no wonder many athletes and health enthusiasts rely on bananas for a quick energy boost.
But perhaps the real magic of bananas comes from their portability. Easy to peel and naturally protected by their skin, they make the perfect on-the-go snack. Unlike many other fruits, bananas grow year-round, making them an accessible food choice for people all over the world. So whether in a smoothie, a slice of banana bread, or simply straight from the peel, bananas remain a beloved and nutritious choice for people everywhere.
Soy
Soy has unquestionably earned its status as one of the world’s most consumed foods. It boasts a rich nutritional profile, versatility, and plays a crucial role in myriad diets, particularly plant-based ones. Soy’s high-quality protein and fiber content, combined with low saturated fat, make it an excellent inclusion to any heart-healthy diet.
The incredible culinary range of soy is also worth noting. It can be consumed whole or transformed into products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Soy milk, an increasingly popular dairy alternative, and soy sauce, a mainstay of many Asian cuisines, extend soy’s reach even further. Soybean oil, found in countless kitchens worldwide, serves as yet another example of soy’s versatility and indispensability.
For vegetarians and vegans, soy provides a primary source of protein, further bolstering its nutritional importance. Furthermore, as plant-based eating garners greater attention and adoption, demand for soy products is expected to continue to rise.
It is clear that soy’s rank among as one of the most consumed food in the world. Its place in the culinary, dietary and nutritional spheres is firmly established and certain to continue into the future.
Beef
Beef is a beloved food worldwide, cherished for its rich flavor, nutritional value, and cooking versatility. As a high-quality protein source, beef also provides valuable minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, vital for a balanced diet.
Culinary traditions worldwide embrace beef in diverse dishes, from American steaks and burgers to Italian lasagne, Korean bulgogi, and Indian curries. The universal appeal of beef lies in its adaptability to various preparation methods such as grilling, roasting, braising, or ground consumption, catering to different taste preferences.
Beyond sustenance, beef carries cultural significance in many societies, symbolizing prosperity and festivity, elevating its status beyond an everyday meal. Despite discussions surrounding its environmental and dietary implications, beef’s demand remains undeterred, making it one of the most consumed foods globally. Whether enjoyed as a comforting stew, a juicy steak or a hearty meatloaf, beef continues to hold its place as a staple food worldwide.
Apples
Apples are celebrated for their delicious taste, impressive health benefits, and incredible flexibility in the culinary world. With their natural sweetness and satisfying crunch, they’re a beloved snack for all ages and a convenient, on-the-go food option.
From a nutritional standpoint, apples are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, particularly pectin—the soluble fiber that supports healthy digestion. Apples are also rich in vitamin C and are packed with antioxidants that are known to bolster overall health and wellness.
In the culinary world, apples are truly multitaskers, able to shine in an impressive range of dishes—from sweet to savory. They’re the backbone of beloved desserts such as apple pies, tarts, and crumbles, but can also add depth and flavor to savory dishes like roasted meats and chutneys. In liquid form, apples can be transformed into refreshing juice or warm cider, making them an ideal ingredient year-round.
With so many apple varieties available and their year-round availability, it’s no wonder they enjoy such widespread popularity. Whichever way you slice it, whether enjoyed fresh, baked, or squeezed, the apple remains a remarkable and admirable fruit.
Fish
Fish prized globally for its high nutritional value, is one of the most consumed foods worldwide. Incorporating a wide range of essential nutrients – lean protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids – it is often hailed as a superfood due to its significant health benefits, including heart health, brain health, and better sleep.
Fish offers remarkable culinary versatility, with a myriad of ways to be prepared depending on texture and flavor profile. Be it sushi, sashimi, grilled, baked, fried, steamed, or poached, fish can be served raw or used in soups, stews, and curries. Fish holds an essential place in coastal and island nations’ international cuisines, including the Mediterranean’s fish stews and grilled fish dishes, Scandinavia’s smoked and cured fish, and Southeast Asia’s spicy fish curries.
The future sees a predicted rise in fish consumption as the awareness of health and sustainability issues mount and sustainable aquaculture practices continue to develop. Nutritious, delicious, and versatile, fish’s place high in global consumption is well deserved.
Garlic
Garlic is an internationally beloved food that offers both taste and health benefits. Its distinct aroma and flavor can elevate even the simplest dishes, from basic stir-fries to elaborate roasts, to new and exciting heights. Consider its savory depth in soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings, if you will.
But garlic has more to offer than mere gustatory pleasure. It is an immune-boosting antioxidant that holds promise in improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and potentially curing illnesses. Moreover, garlic brims with essential vitamins such as C, B6, and manganese.
Garlic’s versatility is remarkable. Whether enjoyed raw, sautéed, or roasted, this powerhouse ingredient is the backbone of many cultural dishes. Think of the medium-rare steaks of France, the spicy stir-fries of China, and, of course, the famous pizza of Italy.
Onions
Onions are globally adored for their versatility, flavor, and health benefits. They’re unique in how they enhance and deepen the flavors of almost any dish. Home-style meals to gourmet preparations, onions are an absolute must-have ingredient.
These versatile alliums vary in flavor, influenced by preparation methods. Raw onions offer spiciness to salads and sandwiches, while sautéed, caramelized or grilled onions have a delightful sweetness balancing their savory component. Pickled onions offer a tangy crunch, while roasted onions add earthy savoriness to dishes.
Onions aren’t just delicious and versatile, but they are also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, onions have many health advantages. Scientific studies have shown that onions may help improve heart health, boost immune function and even reduce cancer risk.
From authentic French mirepoix to spicy Mexican garnishes, from Indian curries to American BBQ sauces, onions feature in various cuisines globally. Their significant flavor-enhancing capacity, health-boosting properties, and matchless ability to deepen complexity, make onions one of the most consumed foods around the world.
Corn (Maize)
Corn, commonly known as maize, is a crop with unmatched ubiquity and global significance, feeding millions around the world. Its nutrient density, versatility, and adaptability make it a staple food in countless cuisines worldwide.
Corn is an exceptional crop with endless culinary possibilities! It can be boiled, grilled, or steamed in its natural form, or used as corn flour for breads, pastries and tortillas. Delicious snacks like popcorn and corn chips also feature corn for its sweet and subtle flavour, and high-fructose corn syrup is a popular sweetener.
But what makes corn truly exceptional is its ability to boost energy and its nutrient profile packed with vitamins B and C, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. To top it off, it combines with legumes or animal-sourced alternatives, creating complete proteins.
Corn’s versatility extends across different cultures, used in everything from American cornbread and grilled corn, to Italian polenta, Mexican tortillas, and East African Ugali. This globally cherished ingredient has earned its reputation due to its nutritional benefits and easy availability. It’s clear that corn remains one of the most widely-consumed foods globally for good reason.
Pork
Domestic pigs provide pork, a highly cherished meat enjoyed worldwide for its unique flavor profile, versatility, and cultural importance. Pork shines in numerous ways, from smoky American barbecue-style ribs to delicately prepared Japanese Tonkatsu. It also serves as a primary ingredient in many sausages prevalent in various cuisines. Pork offers essential vitamins, like B Vitamins, iron, and zinc, making it a great protein source; it’s no surprise why it’s one of the most commonly eaten meats globally, thanks to its cultural significance, nutritional value, and delicious taste.
Wheat
This food has nourished humanity for centuries, with numerous culinary applications spanning many cultures and cuisines. What makes wheat so special? Its unique protein composition – specifically gluten – gives rise to its extraordinary elasticity and texture, a singular attribute virtually unmatched in the plant kingdom. But wheat’s culinary importance is just one aspect of its value. Whole wheat is also an excellent source of dietary fiber and vital nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.
Wheat’s nutritional value, culinary versatility, and global popularity make it a staple food of choice. From pasta and bread to pastries, wheat’s timeless appeal ensures its continued consumption.
Conclusion
As we conclude our analysis of the world’s most popular cuisines, it is clear that our culinary preferences are as diverse as the countries we live in. Despite our differences, there is a universal language of flavor that transcends boundaries and unites us in our love of food. From substantial traditional cuisines from diverse countries to imaginative creations that top the TasteAtlas food rankings, every bite tells a story about history, culture, and personal memories. Whether we are soaking up the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, appreciating the spicy scents of ethnic cuisine, or simply enjoying the simple pleasure of a wonderful dinner with loved ones, the cuisines we have tried hold a special place in our hearts and taste buds. So, as we reflect on the most popular cuisines and famous meals as rated by genuine users and food enthusiasts, let us also acknowledge the enormous diversity and culinary connections that unite us all. After all, food is more than just fuel; it is about exploring the world. Check out TasteAtlas for more global foods.
The Most consumed food in the world: Are you surprised?
After reading this does it surprise you that these are the most eaten foods? Probably not. Which is your favorite food to eat on the list? We’ve got a list of The Best Foods for Each Part of Your Body
