Chicken Meat Surpasses Pork as World's Most Popular Meat

Since the beginning of the century, chicken meat has become the most popular meat in the world, surpassing pork and beef.

Consensus

Chicken meat became the most popular meat in the world, surpassing pork and beef.
Global chicken production increased from 48.3 billion in 2006 to 76.2 billion in 2023.
The Asia-Pacific region is the main driver of demand, followed by America and Europe.
China and the United States together account for about one-third of global chicken consumption.
Chicken is cheaper than other meats, grows quickly, and has fewer religious or cultural restrictions compared to pork and beef.
Experts believe the peak of chicken demand has not yet been reached and that demand will continue to grow in both developed and developing countries.
The growth of industrial poultry farming faces challenges such as environmental concerns, disease risks, and animal welfare issues.

In March 2026, Russia's Ministry of Agriculture reported a 2.7% increase in chicken egg production from January to February compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 6.5 billion eggs, with the market remaining stable. — vedomosti
Chicken meat demand is growing in both wealthy and developing markets due to high beef prices, high protein content, expansion of fast food chains, and compatibility with almost any cuisine, religion, or price segment. — tg_tass_agency
Chicken production has become so efficient that it now outpaces even fast food's traditional reliance on beef, with chicken sales in McDonald’s networks matching beef sales. — fontanka