Australians are consuming more meat and fewer sweets, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
In 2023-24, overall meat consumption increased by 2.3% compared to the previous year, with poultry rising by 13% and lamb, beef, and pork by 1.8%, ABS health statistics spokesperson Paul Atyeo reported.
However, processed meat consumption has declined by 12% since 2018-19. Poultry accounted for nearly half (44%) of total meat consumption, while beef, lamb, and pork made up 36%, with the rest being sausages and processed meats.
The data also revealed that Australians ate 10% more potato chips in 2023-24, while chocolate consumption dropped by 5.7%.
