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Which countries have the highest consumption of protein and why?

Reece Vigne

Hey there!

Protein consumption all across the globe varies incredibly due to the differences in cultures, lifestyles, food availability and preferences. However, there are some countries that stand out as leaders in protein consumption. And today, my fellow foodies, we're travelling the globe to explore the nations that have the highest intake of protein- and why!

Let's kick things off with Iceland, a country famously known for its Viking heritage and unique cuisine. Icelanders consume an average of 215g of protein per day, which is almost double the global average! This is mostly due to their heavy reliance on fish, particularly cod, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and sustainably sourced from the North Atlantic waters. Along with seafood, Icelanders also enjoy traditional dishes like Skyr, a protein-rich yogurt-like dairy product that’s packed with healthy bacteria and makes for a great snack or even a meal in itself.

On the other end of the world, we have Australia, a country that is known for its beach culture and love for all things meaty. Australians consume an average of 105g of protein per day, with their meat consumption being the primary source. From grilled steaks, juicy burgers, and snags on a barbie (Australian slang for sausages on a grill), Aussies sure do know how to pack in the protein! As a bonus, Aussies also have plenty of healthy options like locally sourced seafood, roasted vegetables, and salads, perfect for balancing out those meat-heavy meals.

Next up, India, a country known for its rich heritage and love for vegetarian cuisine. As a vegetarian myself, I take pride in sharing that India is one of the highest consumers of plant-based proteins, with an average intake of 61.4g per day. Lentils, legumes, and dairy products like paneer (cottage cheese) are staples in the Indian diet and provide an excellent source of protein. Also, Indian cuisine is loaded with a variety of herbs and spices that are not only flavourful but also rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Moving on, we come to Finland, a country known for its rugged beauty and love for reindeer meat. Finns consume an average of 107g of protein per day, but it's their unique source of protein that sets them apart- Reindeer! Reindeer meat is high in protein, low in fat, and is packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it an ideal source of protein for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Along with reindeer meat, Finns also enjoy dairy products like yogurt, milk and cheese, which are not only an excellent source of protein but also provide a dose of calcium.

Last but not least, we have the United States, a country known for its love of fast food, and all things supersized. Americans consume an average of 96g of protein per day, and with burgers, pizzas and fried chicken being some of their favorite guilty pleasures, it's no surprise that animal protein is the primary source here. However, the US also offers plenty of healthy protein options- like grilled fish, lean poultry, and plant-based proteins like tofu and tempeh.

So there you have it, folks- a quick tour of five countries that lead the way in protein consumption. While each nation has its unique dietary preferences, what unites us all is our love for good food, good health and of course, good company. Cheers to all the foodies out there!