China’s Protein Consumption Surges Ahead of the US
Recent data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals that China has surpassed the United States in per capita protein consumption. In 2021, Chinese individuals consumed an average of 124.61 grams of protein daily, edging out the American average of 124.33 grams. The FAO’s food balance sheets, which account for both domestic production and imports, provide insights into this shift in dietary trends.
This notable increase in protein intake, primarily sourced from plant-based foods, reflects China’s evolving dietary patterns and growing emphasis on health. Despite this shift, meat consumption in China is expected to rise, prompting the government to advocate for alternative protein sources.
Plant-Based Foods Dominate China’s Protein Supply
In contrast to the United States, where 69% of protein comes from animal products, China’s protein supply is predominantly plant-based. Vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and grains constitute approximately 60.5% of China’s protein intake. Between 2010 and 2021, per capita protein consumption in China increased by 15.81 grams, with about two-thirds of this increase coming from plant-based sources. Meanwhile, the US saw a modest rise of 5.31 grams, almost entirely from animal products.
China’s top protein sources include wheat, rice, vegetables, pork, poultry, eggs, freshwater fish, soybeans, groundnuts, and milk, according to FAO data. Globally, Iceland leads in per capita protein consumption at 145.62 grams, while the Democratic Republic of Congo ranks lowest at 28.59 grams. Other countries include Japan (91.99 grams), South Korea (108.31 grams), the UAE (113.63 grams), and Australia (119.55 grams).
Global Protein Consumption Trends
India, which surpassed China as the most populous country in 2023, reported a protein intake of only 70.52 grams per capita in 2021. Among other populous nations, Indonesia consumed 79.75 grams, Pakistan 70.77 grams, and Nigeria 59.08 grams.
Despite leading global meat consumption with 28% of the total in 2023, China’s share is projected to decline as awareness of meat production’s environmental impact grows. Data from the FAO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicates that China’s meat consumption could rise by 21% by the end of the decade.
Shift Towards Plant-Based Diets for Health and Sustainability
China’s growing focus on plant-based diets is driven by health considerations. A recent study highlighted that a significant portion of Chinese consumers associate plant-based diets with lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced obesity rates. Additionally, plant-based diets are recognized for their high calcium, protein, and iron content.
The Chinese government has promoted plant-based diets through various initiatives, including the Healthy China 2030 policy, which emphasizes public health as a cornerstone of socioeconomic development. The 14th Five-Year Plan for Agricultural and Rural Technology Development (2021) also calls for advancements in cultivated meat and synthetic protein sources. Furthermore, the five-year plan for bioeconomy development, released in May 2022, highlights the importance of novel food technologies.
Meeting Climate Goals Through Dietary Changes
China’s climate strategy includes a commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. To meet these goals, a study suggests that half of all protein consumed in China must come from alternative sources by the target year of 2030. This underscores the critical role of plant-based and alternative proteins in the nation’s efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable food systems.
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