RANK

FOOD

PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION (kg)

GLOBAL MARKET

NOTES

1

Dairy

79.3

$893 billion

The top 5 milk-producing countries in the world are India, the United States, China, Pakistan, and Brazil. Over the past thirty years, global milk production has seen substantial growth, increasing by over 59%.

2

Rice

78.4

$292.39 billion

Rice, a fundamental crop, is cultivated across 158 million hectares yearly. It holds a unique position in the developing world, with its production value twice that of any other food crop.

3

Wheat

67.0

$331.27 billion

Wheat is cultivated in over 170 countries and serves as a staple food for billions. China, India, and the European Union are the top three wheat producers.

4

Potatoes

32.9

$132.32 billion

Potatoes, first domesticated by indigenous peoples of the Andes mountains in South America, are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. They are low in fat and calories.

5

Tomatoes

21.2

$181.74 billion

The biggest producer of tomatoes in 2016 was China by far with more than 50 million tons harvested, followed by India and then USA. Overall tomatoes are harvested in more than 170 countries.

6

Sugar

20.4

$66.39 billion

Leading sugar-producing countries comprise Brazil, India, Thailand, China, and the United States. Sugar is a versatile ingredient used in various food products, including candy, baked goods, and soft drinks, as well as in industrial applications like ethanol and biofuel production.

7

Seafood

20.2

$340.86 billion

Seafood serves as a vital source of protein and essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, known for promoting heart and brain health.

8

Maize

18.2

$297.27 billion

Maize is a vital staple food for millions, with the United States, China, Brazil, Mexico, and India as the primary producers. It is a significant source of carbohydrates and calories for human consumption. Maize is also utilized in the production of various industrial products, including plastics, adhesives, and cosmetics.

9

Pulses

18.1

$21.74 billion

Pulses are a group of leguminous crops known for their edible seeds, providing protein, fiber, and nutrients.

10

Meat & Poultry

15.6

$1,260.33 trillion

Pig meat is one of the most consumed meats globally, following poultry. Leading pig meat producers include China, the European Union, and the United States. It is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, and it is low in saturated fat.

11

Cassava

15.3

$254.28 billion

Leading cassava producers include Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brazil. It is consumed fresh or processed into products such as flour, chips, or tapioca.

12

Sorghum

15.2

$22.11 billion

Sorghum, cultivated predominantly in countries like the United States, Nigeria, India, and Sudan, is known for its drought-resistant nature.

13

Oranges

12.0

$3.70 billion

Oranges are primarily grown in countries with warm climates, including the United States (especially in Florida and California), Brazil, Spain, and China.

14

Bananas

11.9

$140.84 billion

Bananas, rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, grow in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. India, China, and the Philippines are the top producers of bananas.

15

Onions

11.8

$53.42 billion

Onions, a staple vegetable crop, are cultivated worldwide, with leading producers including China, India, the United States, and Russia.