Delicious treats to help you power through the day
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) consumption index tracks the consumption of food across 172 countries. It is unsurprising that developed countries dominate the top of the list, while developing nations sit toward the bottom of the list. Food consumption has steadily increased throughout the last 50 years, particularly across the regions of Africa and Asia. Despite the discrepancies in consumption rates, the world’s food supply has never been more evenly distributed. Which 15 nations do you think consume the most food around the world?
Economic development is a key factor that impacts global food supply and, therefore, the nutritional levels in a particular nation.
But not all of these developments have been positive. Mass urbanization has had a huge impact on lifestyle and diets, particularly within lower income nations.
Dietary shifts, particularly those higher in calories, fats, and salts, have accompanied a reduction in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables around the world.
In conjunction to dietary changes, lifestyle changes, such as reduced exercise and general physical activity, have compounded nutritional shifts.
In addition to economic impacts, environmental and geographical factors have also influenced the diet in many countries.
Due to climate change, for example, some island nations have grown increasingly dependent on food imports, which are often processed.
So which are the top 15 countries that consume the most food across the world? Does your country make the list?
The list was compiled by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) consumption index on the basis of average daily calorie intake per capita.
Romania is the 15th-largest consumer of food in the world. With traditional dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and balmos (a cheesy polenta), the per capita daily intake is 3,490 calories.
Turkey is next on the list as the 14th-biggest consumer of food in the world. The famous kebab and mouthwatering baklava originate from Turkey. The average per capita daily intake is 3,500 calories.
Israel is the 13th-largest consumer of food in the world. Braided challah bread and gefilte fish are some classic Jewish dishes that are frequently enjoyed. The nation’s per capita daily intake is 3,530 calories.
The French make the list as the 12th-biggest consumers of food around the world, averaging a daily 3,530 calories per capita. Coq au vin, onion soup, and crêpes, are some classic choices from the nation’s cuisine.
Canada is the 11th-largest consumer of food in the world. Canadians consume an average of 3,530 calories per capita on a daily basis. The classic poutine is quite iconic for visitors to the city of Quebec.
The 10th-biggest consumer of food is Germany. The Germans consume an average 3,540 calories per capita. Between pretzels and schnitzel, there’s something for everyone in German cuisine.
Portugal is the ninth-largest consume of food in the world. The Portuguese have an intake of 3,580 calories per capita. The unforgettable Francesinha from its northern city of Porto and the classic pastel de nata show how easy it is for calories to add up.
Perhaps the luck of the Irish is due to their diet? The nation is the eighth-biggest consumer of food, averaging 3,590 daily calories per capita. Irish soda bread to accompany a classic stew is an iconic coupling.
Don’t let the size of the small archipelago of Malta fool you. They may be tiny, but their appetites are mighty. The nation’s daily average calories per capita is 3,600.
Italy’s cuisine is internationally coveted. Who can resist a perfect bowl of pasta? The nation is the sixth-biggest consumer of food in the world, averaging 3,650 calories per capita.
Luxembourg is the fifth-largest consumer of food in the world, averaging 3,680 calories per capita. The nation’s cuisine enjoys influence from its neighbors, France, Germany, and Belgium.
In fourth place is one of Europe’s smallest countries, Belgium. With the temptation of Belgian chocolates and other classic treats, it’s no wonder the daily calorie intake per capita is 3,690.
Can you guess the third-largest consumer of food in the world? Here are some clues: Souvlaki, moussaka, baklava… If you guessed Greece, you’re correct! The country’s daily calorie intake per capita is 3,710.
Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that the second-largest consumer isn’t in first place! Averaging 3,750 daily calories per capita is the United States.
The largest consumer of food in the world is, surprisingly, Austria. To climb the alps, one needs to be well-fed. The nation’s average daily calorie intake per capita is 3,800.
Austria has maintained the highest average dietary consumption per capita since 2006. Countries like the US have also maintained steady rates of consumption throughout the same period.
The world’s top consumers are in contrast to poorer nations, such as Eritrea and Burundi, for example, which average less than half of Austria’s intake.
Of course, even in developing nations that average lower calorie intakes, there are still significant variables throughout the country.
As in all nations, even the most poor, there is always an economic disparity between groups that ensure more resources go to some rather than others.
Cultural differences, beliefs, preferences, and accessibility, as well as other factors play a significant role.
Chronic food insecurity and childhood malnutrition are still major issues that many of the world’s nations face.
Sources: (Madison’s Footsteps) (Tasty) (CNN) (Food & Wine Magazine) (Travelsphere) (Hogan’s Irish Cottages) (World Atlas) (Luxtoday)
See also: The lie of 'expired' food
The top 15 countries that consume the most food
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FOOD Diet
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) consumption index tracks the consumption of food across 172 countries. It is unsurprising that developed countries dominate the top of the list, while developing nations sit toward the bottom.
Food consumption has steadily increased throughout the last 50 years, particularly across the regions of Africa and Asia. Despite the discrepancies in consumption rates, the world’s food supply has never been more evenly distributed.
Which 15 nations do you think consume the most food around the world? Click through the gallery to find out.