Which country eats the most vegetables

In the context of growing attention to health and nutrition, the trend toward healthy eating is increasingly being embraced by many people, with vegetables becoming an indispensable part of the diet in every country. So, which country eats the most vegetables? Let’s explore the countries with the highest vegetable consumption in the world.

Table of Contents

Which country eats the most vegetables?

1. China

China leads the world in vegetable consumption, with a staggering 581,529 tons consumed annually. This isn’t surprising given that China is the most populous country on the planet. Chinese cuisine places a strong emphasis on balance and health, with vegetables playing a vital role in every meal.

Common vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, bok choy, and soybeans are frequently found in Chinese dishes. Beyond fresh produce, China also processes vegetables into products like pickles, dried vegetables, and vegetable juices.

*Which country eats the most vegetables? China leads the world in vegetable consumption*

2. India

India ranks second in the world for vegetable consumption, with 133,881 tons consumed annually. India is also the second most populous country, and a significant portion of the population follows a vegetarian diet due to Hinduism. Indian cuisine incorporates a wide variety of vegetables, especially tomatoes, onions, leafy greens, eggplants, and peas.

Spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger are also essential in Indian cooking. Dishes like dal (lentil stew), sabzi (stir-fried vegetables), and samosas (vegetable-stuffed pastries) are staples in Indian households.

3. United States

The United States ranks third in vegetable consumption globally, with 42,990 tons consumed annually. As the third most populous country, Americans commonly consume vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, and carrots. However, nutrient-rich green vegetables such as kale, bok choy, and mustard greens are consumed less frequently.

Despite its high ranking, many Americans have a diet that includes a lot of processed and fast food, leading to lower overall vegetable intake. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about 10% of Americans meet the daily recommended vegetable intake, while 90% fall short. Nevertheless, trends are shifting, with more people focusing on healthier, vegetable-rich diets.

4. Turkey

Turkey ranks fourth in the world for vegetable consumption, with 20,829 tons consumed annually. Turkish cuisine places great importance on vegetables, often incorporating them into traditional dishes such as meze (small appetizers) and kebabs, which are served with a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs.

Vegetable-based dishes like dolma (stuffed vegetables), imam bayildi (stuffed eggplant), and piyaz (bean salad) are also popular. Turkey is known for having one of the healthiest diets globally, with vegetables and olive oil featuring prominently in daily meals.

5. Vietnam

Vietnam ranks fifth in the world for annual vegetable consumption, with 17,955 tons consumed. Vegetables play a crucial role in Vietnamese cuisine, with fresh produce like water spinach, mustard greens, amaranth, lettuce, and okra frequently used in soups, stir-fries, or served raw alongside main dishes.

Eating fresh vegetables daily is a common habit in Vietnam, as it not only provides balance but also essential nutrients. With its large agricultural land, Vietnam has a steady supply of fresh vegetables available year-round.

6. Germany

Germany consumes 16,621 tons of vegetables annually, placing it sixth in the global ranking. Popular vegetables in Germany include potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and asparagus. One of the most well-known dishes is Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage side dish often served with sausages. Fresh vegetable salads are also widely enjoyed by Germans.

7. Russia

Russia consumes 15,455 tons of vegetables annually, ranking seventh globally. Vegetables play an essential role in Russian diets, especially during the long winter months when other food becomes scarce. Staples like potatoes, beets, carrots, and cabbage are common in Russian meals. One of Russia’s iconic dishes is borscht, a popular beet soup. Other vegetable-heavy dishes include Olivier salad (Russian salad) and vegetable caviar, both widely enjoyed in Russia.

8. Nigeria

Nigeria is also among the top vegetable-consuming nations, with 14,469 tons consumed annually, placing it eighth on the list. Green vegetables are vital to daily meals in Nigeria, with popular options including green amaranth, okra leaves, sweet potato leaves, and water spinach. Dishes like efo riro (greens cooked with palm oil) and egusi soup (melon seed soup with greens) are popular in Nigeria. Nigerian cuisine often emphasizes fresh leafy vegetables, typically combined with meats or fish for hearty and nutritious meals.

9. Japan

Japan ranks ninth in annual vegetable consumption, with 14,409 tons. The Japanese are renowned for their healthy, balanced diets, in which vegetables are a key component. Traditional Japanese cuisine, known as washoku, emphasizes harmony between natural ingredients like greens and root vegetables.

Vegetables such as daikon (Japanese radish), asparagus, seaweed, and leafy greens are commonly used in stir-fries, steamed dishes, or miso soup. Additionally, the Japanese enjoy pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and fresh salads, which are considered to be healthy choices.

10. Indonesia

Indonesia consumes a significant amount of vegetables, with 14,299 tons annually, ranking tenth. As a tropical country, Indonesia enjoys a wide variety of salads, the most famous being gado-gado, a mixed vegetable salad served with peanut sauce. Other popular dishes include sayur lodeh (vegetable soup with coconut milk) and sayur asem (sour vegetable soup), both featuring vegetables like cabbage, eggplant, and water spinach. Vegetables are an essential part of everyday meals in Indonesia.

11. Egypt

Egypt ranks eleventh globally in vegetable consumption, with 13,970 tons annually. Egyptian cuisine has a strong tradition of using vegetables and legumes. Traditional dishes like koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce) and molokhia (a green leafy vegetable cooked into soup) highlight the importance of vegetables in Egyptian diets.

12. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom consumes 12,540 tons of vegetables annually, ranking twelfth. In the UK, vegetables are a crucial part of a healthy diet, especially in recent years as healthy eating trends have gained popularity. Common vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and peas are often found in classic British meals such as Sunday roast. However, compared to Asian and African countries, British meals tend to include fewer vegetables.

13. South Korea

South Korea ranks thirteenth in annual vegetable consumption, with 11,754 tons. Vegetables are fundamental to Korean cuisine, particularly fermented vegetables like kimchi, a staple in every meal. Along with kimchi, grilled dishes in Korea are often accompanied by fresh vegetables like lettuce, perilla leaves, and cabbage.

In Korean culture, vegetables are not only ingredients but are considered essential for providing necessary vitamins and minerals. Meals are usually accompanied by various vegetable sides to ensure a balanced intake.

14. Brazil

Brazil consumes 10,701 tons of vegetables annually, making it a significant vegetable-consuming country. Common vegetables in Brazil include collard greens, pumpkin, potatoes, and green beans, frequently used in Brazilian cuisine. The traditional dish feijoada (black beans stewed with meat) is often served with sautéed collard greens. Brazil also enjoys fresh vegetable dishes like salads, soups, and stir-fries, and the tropical climate provides a steady supply of fresh vegetables year-round.

15. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan consumes 9,657 tons of vegetables annually. Uzbek cuisine is known for its extensive use of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and onions. Popular dishes like plov (fried rice with meat and vegetables) and lagman (noodles stir-fried with vegetables) are staples in Uzbekistan and offer a nutritious, vegetable-rich balance.

Which country eats the most vegetables per capita

China is the country that consumes the most vegetables per capita. As the world’s largest vegetable consumer, China also leads in per capita vegetable consumption. Given the strong emphasis on vegetables in Chinese culinary culture, it’s no surprise that China ranks first globally both in total and per capita vegetable consumption.

Ranking of Countries by Per Capita Vegetable Consumption:

	Country	Total vegetable consumption per capita 2022 (Kg/Capita)
1	China	407.84
2	Albania	377.17
3	Croatia	338.86
4	Guyana	307.23
5	North Macedonia	287.1
6	Oman	282.15
7	Uzbekistan	278.89
8	Kazakhstan	265.51
9	Tajikistan	257.28
10	Turkey	244.07
11	Bosnia and Herzegovina	241.58
12	Tonga	240.29
13	Luxembourg	234.98
14	Qatar	231.98
15	Belgium	230.64
16	Tunisia	228.15
17	South Korea	226.84
18	Armenia	222.73
19	Libya	210.57
20	Algeria	206.42
21	Kuwait	205.68
22	Maldives	202.76
23	Germany	199.36
24	Azerbaijan	198.54
25	Laos	193.72
26	Ireland	193.17
27	Kyrgyzstan	187.24
28	United Kingdom	185.75
29	Netherlands	183.28
30	Vietnam	182.87
31	Malta	181.85
32	Montenegro	180.11
33	Hong Kong	179.24
34	Iceland	177.08
35	Austria	173.99
36	Seychelles	172.71
37	Sweden	171.61
38	Slovenia	169.77
39	Australia	168.01
40	Bahamas	166.52
41	Latvia	162.41
42	Denmark	162.32
43	Switzerland	160.13
44	Belarus	159.61
45	Bahrain	159.54
46	Estonia	157.94
47	Israel	157.44
48	Norway	157.32
49	Ukraine	154.97
50	Turkmenistan	148.61

The bottom line

Which country eats the most vegetables? China and India are the two largest vegetable consumers globally. Factors such as religion, vegetarian traditions, and favorable climates have contributed to the development of healthy eating habits in these countries. In recent years, with increasing attention to health, the consumption of more vegetables has become a priority not only in certain countries but around the world.