How income and gender shape global meat consumption trends
Meat consumption varies widely across the world, shaped by income, education, and social expectations. A new analysis reveals how these factors play out differently in high- and middle-income countries. The findings also highlight the environmental and ethical costs tied to global meat production. In high-income nations, education levels often determine meat intake. Those with higher qualifications tend to eat less meat, possibly due to greater awareness of health or environmental concerns. Meanwhile, women in these countries—especially those influenced by beauty standards—are more likely to choose plant-based options.
Men generally consume more meat than women, who show a stronger preference for meat alternatives. The gap widens in households with children, where women eat more red and processed meat than those without.
The picture shifts in middle-income countries. Here, meat is often seen as a status symbol, with wealthier individuals eating more. Lower earners, however, frequently cannot afford it, keeping their consumption low. Yet the environmental burden of meat production—particularly feed crops like soy—falls hardest on poorer regions, where land and resources are exploited to meet demand elsewhere.
Beyond consumption, the meat industry's hidden costs include harsh working conditions. Marginalised groups often labour in industrial slaughterhouses, facing unsafe and exploitative environments. The global rise in meat consumption poses serious risks to biodiversity, water supplies, and air quality. While social and economic factors drive eating habits, the strain on ecosystems and vulnerable communities remains a growing concern. Policymakers and consumers alike face pressure to address these interconnected challenges.
