The Country That Eats The Most Potatoes Isn't The One You'd Expect - Tasting Table

"According to data collected by Helgi Library in 2021, China accounted for over 25% of the world's potato consumption. In total, the population ate around 66,437 kilotons of potatoes that year. To put that in perspective, there are 1000 tons in a kiloton - we're talking about a heck of a lot of potatoes. The World Population Review has even higher figures for the following year: 69,109 kilotons, or 47.4 kilograms per person."

"China also grows the most potatoes in the world, according to the World Population Review, harvesting an estimated 95.6 million tonnes in 2022. That's nearly double the amount produced by the next country on the list, which was India with 56.2 million tonnes. The U.S. was the third-highest consumer of potatoes that year, wolfing down a total of 16,462 kilotons, thanks in huge part to the potato-producing state of Idaho."

"The Irish only managed a measly 416 kilotons - and there's no data to prove whether or not those were washed down with Guinness. Having said that, Ireland does top China when it comes to potatoes eaten per capita, eating 82.7 kilograms per person per year, compared to China's 47.4 kilograms. Incidentally, the top country per capita was Belarus, whose countrymen eat a whopping 160 kilograms per person per year, which is over 2 big potatoes each per day."

China accounts for over a quarter of global potato consumption, with about 66,437 kilotons consumed in 2021 and World Population Review estimating 69,109 kilotons (47.4 kg per person) in 2022. China also leads production, harvesting an estimated 95.6 million tonnes in 2022, nearly double India's 56.2 million tonnes. The United States consumed roughly 16,462 kilotons in the referenced period. Ireland consumed 416 kilotons but records higher per-capita consumption at 82.7 kg per person. Belarus has the highest per-capita consumption at around 160 kg per person per year. China is promoting potatoes as a staple due to suitable growing conditions and population growth.

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