Australians eating more meat but less chocolate

Australians ate 2.3 per cent more meat and poultry in 2023-24 compared to the previous financial year, an average consumption of 145 grams per person per day, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

Paul Atyeo, ABS health statistics spokesperson, said: ‘Compared to six years ago, we’re eating 13 per cent more poultry per person, while beef, lamb, and pork consumption has risen by 1.8 per cent. At the same time, we’ve been eating less processed meats which have dropped 12 per cent since 2018-19.’ 

Poultry made up around 44 per cent of total meat and poultry consumption in 2023-24, while 36 per cent was beef, lamb, and pork. The remainder was from processed meat with 12 per cent and sausages with 8 per cent. 

‘We’re also buying more bottled water, up by 3.9 per cent over the last year. Soft drinks also went up by 2.2 per cent, and energy and sports drinks combined saw a 9.3 per cent rise. Meanwhile, fruit juices and fruit drinks dropped by 4.8 per cent.’ 

Chocolate appeared to lose favour over the last year (down 5.7 per cent) but there was a 10 per cent rise in potato chips.    

Australians are also eating more berries.  

‘While most fruit categories have seen a fall since 2018-19, we’re eating 24 per cent more berries than we did six years ago.’ Mr Atyeo said.  

For more information, please refer to the Apparent Consumption of Selected Foodstuffs, Australia, 2023-24 report, available for free download from the ABS website: https://www.abs.gov.au.