The most bought and consumed meat in Australia is chicken, accounting for nearly half of all meat eaten, due to its affordability, convenience, and versatility, with Australians eating around 50kg per person annually, far surpassing beef, lamb, and pork, according to recent data from sources like the Australian Bureau of Statistics, AgriFutures Australia, and Australian Chicken Meat Federation.
The most consumed meat in Australia is overwhelmingly chicken, making up nearly half of all meat eaten, with Australians consuming around 48-50kg per person annually due to its affordability, versatility, and convenience compared to beef, lamb, and pork, whose consumption has declined relatively.
Meat and poultry
As of July 2018 Australians ate around 25 kilograms of beef per person with beef having a 35% share of fresh meat sales by value, the highest of any fresh meat in 2018–19. Lamb is very popular in Australia, with roasting cuts (legs and shoulders), chops, and shanks being the most common cuts.
Pork. Pork is the most consumed meat in the world,(1) with deep cultural, historical and culinary roots. Its global popularity can be traced back to early pig domestication, primarily in Asia. The adaptability of pigs to different climates and their rapid growth rate made them ideal livestock throughout history.
Australia's most exported foods
China is Australia's second-largest market and has only increased buying Australian beef due to a trade war with the US. US tariffs and Chinese counter-tariffs hiked American beef prices in China in 2024, forcing restaurants and consumers alike to search for alternatives.
Pork, for example, is the most consumed meat globally, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, making up 36% of the world's meat intake. The popularity of pork is closely followed by poultry, which is a staple in many countries due to its versatility and affordability.
The most unhealthy meats are processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, salami, deli meats) due to high salt, fat, and preservatives (nitrates/nitrites) linked to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; followed by fatty red meats (beef, lamb, pork) and charred/burnt meats cooked at high temperatures, which form carcinogens; while even poultry becomes unhealthy with skin, heavy breading, and high sodium.
King of Meat is "a four-player PVE dungeon crawler with platforming elements. It combines the wild energy of a party game with hack-and-slash gameplay. Dungeons were made by Glowmade or the community, and players move through rooms that are set up for fighting, platforming, puzzles, or a mix of the three."
In Australia, the ribeye steak is most commonly called the Scotch fillet, though you might also see it referred to as a rib eye steak, especially for bone-in versions, or even a Cattleman's Cutlet for a large, bone-in cut, offering rich flavour and marbling.
The biggest meat supplier in Australia, particularly for processing and export, is JBS Foods Australia, a subsidiary of the global JBS S.A., dominating the beef and lamb sectors as a multi-species processor, exporter, and feedlotter, owning major brands like Primo Foods. Other significant players include AACo (Australian Agricultural Company) for large-scale cattle production and V&V Walsh for processing in Western Australia, while SAMEX is a major meat exporter/trader.
Australian Food, the Most Iconic Australian Cuisine
Lamb. Lamb, known for its tenderness and slightly sweet flavour, is a favourite for dishes like slow-roasted racks or spiced lamb skewers, offering both a nod to Australian heritage and a gourmet touch for those looking for something memorable.
Australian Eating Habits
Australians tend to eat three meals a day: Breakfast – eaten in the morning is either light and cold (cereal, toast, coffee) or heavy and hot (bacon, eggs, sausages, fried tomato) Lunch – eaten around 12 – 2 pm is usually a light meal such as a sandwich, or salad.
Lentil is called “poor man's meat” due to its low price compared to meat, and can complement cereal-rich foods in providing a nourishing meal by balancing the amino acid and micronutrient requirements of the diet (Table 11.1).
Among all animal meats pork is the filthiest diet to consume by human beings. Pig is the cradle of harmful germs. Scientific evidences prove that pig meat is least healthy having different harmful agents like Cholesterol and Fatty Acids, Bacteria and Toxins and a number of parasites.
It is recommended that you do not eat too much red meat, processed meat or meat that is high in saturated fats as this can lead to health problems.
Which country eats the most meat? As of 2023, the country that eats the most meat per capita is the United States. Americans consume an average of around 120 kilograms of meat per person per year.
EASY TO RAISE: Historically, pigs were easy to raise, even in small villages, making pork an accessible source of protein for centuries. PROSPERITY: Because it's affordable; people have always associated it with prosperity BEEF: Most people eat less beef because cows can work hard.
Angus beef
The meat is highly prized for its exceptional marbling, which is believed to contribute to its superior texture, incredible tenderness, juiciness, and excellent flavor. The breed's characteristics play only a partial role in the meat's quality as the breed is often crossed with other cattle breeds.
Top Ten Best and Most Famous Australian Exports
US direct investment in Australia is more than in any other country in the Indo-Pacific. The largest American exports to Australia include financial services, travel services, telecoms/computer/information services, royalties and trucks. The US runs a large trade surplus with Australia.