We love bananas! They’re delicious, nutritious, and versatile. But did you know that banana consumption is on the rise? How many bananas do you eat in a day? Do you ever wonder how many bananas the average person eats in their lifetime? Well, we’ve got answers for you!
“You’re bananas,” they say. “Bananas,” you say back, because you know what you like. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world, and they’ve been around longer than we have. They have a rich history and a bright future, so we’re here to help you keep up with all things banana-related!
We’ve compiled these banana consumption statistics to help you understand how this fruit impacts our world. So sit back and enjoy these fun facts and statistics.
Banana Consumption Statistics and Facts (Editor’s Pick)
- Globally, people consume more than 100 billion bananas each year.
- Global banana consumption is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 1.21% between 2019 and 2024.
- The Asia-Pacific region leads the banana market with a 61% share of global consumption.
- 47% of Americans opt for yellow bananas with a little bit of green.
- The US is the leading importer of bananas, as it holds an 18% share in global banana imports.
- You would have to eat around 400 bananas at once to die.
- Up to two bananas a day is considered a moderate daily intake for most healthy people.
- Children aged between four to nine months should consume no more than one-third of a banana a day.
Global Banana Consumption Statistics
1. India accounts for a quarter of the global banana consumption.
(Agri Exchange)
Although bananas are one of the cheapest and most consumed fruits all around the world, Indians account for a quarter (25%) of the global banana consumption. The consumption rate in this country is expected to continue, owing to the population growth and domestically grown bananas that entirely satisfy the market demand.
Aside from that, banana consumption in other major Asian markets is also forecasted to increase along with population growth.
2. More than 100 billion bananas are consumed in the world each year.
(Mayo Clinic)
The world banana consumption rates are very high due to many reasons. For instance, the average price for a pound of bananas is 39 cents, meaning that one banana costs about 12 cents. That’s extremely affordable.
In addition, the prices are stable, and we can always expect consistent quality all year round. Not to mention that they can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient for various dishes.
3. The average banana consumption in the European Union (EU) is around 10 kg per capita per year.
(Fair Trade)
Banana consumption statistics suggest that the average banana consumption in the European Union is roughly 10 kg per capita per year.
However, like Poland, some other European countries have lower consumption rates even if bananas are the most liked fruit among their residents. For example, the banana consumption in Poland is between 5 and 5.5 kg per capita per year.
4. Global banana consumption is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.21% between 2019 and 2024.
(MarketWatch)
Bananas are the fourth most essential food crop after rice, wheat, and maize when production is in question. According to MarketWatch’s 2022 report, worldwide banana consumption will grow at a CAGR of 1.21% between 2019 and 2024.
It’s essential to add that India is the world’s leading banana producer, but accounts only for 0.3% of the global exports, as the majority of bananas are consumed in India.
(MarketWatch)
Statistics regarding banana consumption by country and region point out that people in the Asia Pacific region consume bananas the most.
As we’ve already mentioned, India is the main producer of bananas and accounts for almost 25.7% of the entire output. Also, the main driver of the global banana market is the high opportunity in the industry.
6. India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Philippines, the US, Angola, Tanzania, and Rwanda accounted for roughly 67% of the world’s banana consumption in 2016.
(Indexbox, Fresh Fruit Portal)
Most of the countries mentioned above (except for the US) were also the leading producers of bananas in 2016. According to the Indexbox’s comprehensive report, the banana market experienced a recovery that year, as the banana consumption rate was 15% higher than the year before.
7. In Haiti, the per capita consumption of plantains is around 22 kg per year.
(USAID)
Plantains are types of bananas, and they look very similar. However, they’re slightly larger, harder to peel, and not eaten raw.
Plantain and banana consumption statistics in Haiti based on the USAID’s report, suggest that plantain consumption in rural areas is even higher, as up to 60 kg is consumed per person per year.
8. Rwanda had the highest per capita consumption of bananas (252 kg per year) in 2016.
(Indexbox, Fresh Fruit Portal)
Apart from Rwanda, Angola and Tanzania were amongst the leaders in banana consumption per capita.
The reason why Rwanda has the highest banana consumption per capita is mainly because Rwanda is a small country. Also, Bananas are a staple food in African countries, so it’s not surprising that they usually have the highest per capita consumption.
9. Roughly 20 million tons of bananas (64% of the total production) are locally consumed in Latin America and the Caribbean.
(Research Gate)
Banana consumption statistics regarding the Caribbean and Latin America reveal that 28% of the global banana production is grown there and that locals consume 64% of produced bananas. Also, it’s good to know that 72% of exported plantains are produced in Latin America and the Caribbean.
10. By 2025, the banana market volume is predicted to reach 136 million tonnes.
(Indexbox, Fresh Fruit Portal)
Statistics predict that the moderate growth of this market will continue due to the population growth. More precisely, the increase in banana consumption is estimated to increase by 2% per year from 2017 to 2025. Eventually, the market volume will most likely amount to 136 million tonnes.
Banana Consumption Statistics In The United States
11. Americans consume an average of 27 pounds of bananas per person every year.
(Mayo Clinic)
Americans eat around 90 bananas per capita per year, and most bananas that they consume come from Latin and South America. It’s interesting that people in the US eat more bananas than apples and oranges combined. That’s probably because bananas are more convenient, portable, and easy to digest than other fruits.
12. In 2009 Americans ate 22 pounds of fresh bananas per capita, the lowest amount between 2000 and 2020.
(Statista)
Statista’s report regarding the per capita consumption of bananas between 2000 and 2020 shows that, while banana consumption per capita in the US is relatively stable, it was considerably low in 2009. Back then, banana consumption per capita was 22.01 and was never lower than 25 before or after that.
The same report reveals that the highest banana consumption per capita was in 2000 (28.45 pounds).
13. 47% of Americans prefer yellow bananas with a little bit of green.
(YouGov)
It appears that everyone has a different opinion when the ripeness of bananas is in question.
YouGov’s survey shows that 5% of Americans like green bananas, 47% eat them when they’re yellow but not completely, 31% prefer solid yellow bananas, wheras 11% love to see a dash of brown spots on their bananas.
It’s important to mention that 5% of Americans don’t eat them.
14. Bananas were the most consumed fruit in the US in 2021 and 2020, as 63% of respondents ate them during the 12 months before the survey period.
(Statista)
Banana consumption statistics in the US based on a report from September 2021 indicate that 63% of survey respondents preferred bananas. Other popular fruits are strawberries, grapes, apples, and watermelon (more than 55% of surveyed respondents bought each of them during the same period).
15. Around 75% of American consumers purchase bananas.
(Healthy Eating)
According to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), approximately 75% of people in the US buy bananas, making them the most popular fruit in the US. This statistic isn’t surprising at all, as there are many reports and surveys that prove it (some of them are included in this article).
16. 54% of baby boomers prefer bananas when they’re mostly yellow with a bit of green.
(YouGov)
One of the interesting facts about bananas is that some people even like green bananas.
YouGov’s survey of the millennial, baby boomer, and generation X banana eaters reveals that 7% of millennials do and that they’re the most likely to like them. Conversely, baby boomers are least likely to like green bananas.
Also, 12% of baby boomers like to eat solid yellow bananas with some brown spots.
17. About 59% of American consumers bought bananas between June 2019 and June 2020.
(The Packer)
One of the banana fun facts from this survey is that people with no kids were more likely to buy bananas (63%) than those who have children (52%). However, when people with children are in question, those with three or more kids are the most likely to buy them. More precisely, 54% of them purchased bananas, while 48% of parents with two kids did.
(MarketWatch)
Some of the reasons why banana consumption rates in the US are so high are consumers’ increasing health awareness and advancements in food and beverages.
People opt for healthier foods, and bananas are full of potassium, vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fibers. Due to its health benefits, the demand for bananas is expected to rise between 2022 and 2024.
19. The vast majority of American households (96%) purchase bananas at least once a month.
(Bananalusious)
Banana lovers rejoice! It’s bananas how many American households buy bananas!
Bananas are easy to enjoy—they’re available year-round, and they come in different varieties. They’re delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other foods and make great additions to smoothies, baked goods, and more.
You can even freeze bananas for later use in smoothies or baking recipes! Just peel them and break them into chunks before storing them in an airtight container for up to two months. While frozen bananas won’t be as creamy or sweet as fresh bananas, they’ll still add flavor and nutrition to your favorite dishes.
Statistics Regarding Banana Consumption Benefits and Risks
20. A medium-sized banana has about 105 calories and contains 22% of Vitamin B6’s daily value.
(Mayo Clinic)
Apart from being sweet and tasty, bananas are incredibly healthy.
For illustration, one banana (118 g) contains 22% of Vitamin B6’s daily recommended intake value, 17% of Vitamin C’s daily recommended intake value, one gram of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, and many other beneficial nutrients.
However, since more than 90% of the calories in bananas come from carbohydrates, they should be consumed in moderation.
21. You would have to eat around 400 bananas at once for your heart to stop beating.
(BBC)
There are no real excess banana consumption risks, as a person would have to eat roughly 400 bananas to die from too much potassium.
It’s a myth that eating six bananas can kill you. Still, as one banana contains 450 mg of potassium and the recommended daily intake is 3,500 mg, a healthy person shouldn’t eat more than seven and a half bananas per day.
22. Eating one banana a day can lead to healthy weight loss.
(Insider)
Bananas contain fiber which can help you lose weight. In fact, one banana contains 12% of the recommended fiber daily value, and boosting fiber intake may reduce the risk of gaining weight by up to 30%.
Interestingly, green bananas contain higher levels of starch, which can help you feel more full.
Other Interesting Facts about Banana Consumption
23. Up to two bananas a day is considered a moderate intake for the majority of healthy people.
(Healthline, NDTV)
The daily recommended banana consumption is one to two bananas because eating bananas excessively can have the opposite effects. For instance, you could feel sleepy and have headaches due to increased sugar intake. Unripe bananas can also cause constipation.
Furthermore, eating mostly bananas means that you lack protein and fat in your diet.
24. Children aged between four to nine months should consume up to one-third of a banana a day.
(Wriggly Toes, Baby Center)
Toddler banana consumption isn’t a problem if a child eats bananas in moderation. That said, babies up to four months old shouldn’t consume bananas at all, while those aged 9 to 12 months shouldn’t eat more than half a banana per day. Kids aged more than 12 months or older can safely consume one and a half bananas per day.
25. A person is expected to eat an average of 7,500 bananas in their lifetime.
(Banana Link)
It’s a fact: bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They’re also one of the most common—you can find them at almost any grocery store, and they’re usually pretty cheap. But how many do we eat in our lifetimes?
Well, if you’re an average consumer and you live to be 75 years old, you’ll eat about 7,500 bananas! That’s a lot of potassium and magnesium—not to mention fiber and vitamin C. Not all bananas are created equal though; some people may eat more or less than others depending on their diet.
So what does that mean for you? If you love bananas as much as we do (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?) then go ahead and stock up! You’ll have plenty of time to eat them all before you’re 75 years old.
Related Questions (FAQ)
What country consumes the most bananas?
India is the country where bananas are eaten the most. In fact, India accounts for a quarter of the worldwide banana consumption. Furthermore, India held 25% of the banana market in 2018.
It’s also important to mention that Rwanda (252 kg per year), Angola (154 kg per year), and Tanzania (67 kg/year) are the leading countries in per capita consumption.
How many bananas are consumed each day?
Over 100 billion bananas are eaten each year around the world, which means that around 274 million bananas are eaten each day. Americans eat approximately 90 bananas per capita per year, which amounts to roughly one-fourth of bananas each day.
How much of the population eats bananas?
Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits on the planet. But, of course, banana consumption varies by country. It’s cheap and widely available, and 82% of American survey respondents said they like them. Furthermore, according to the Produce Marketing Association (PMA), approximately 75% of American consumers eat bananas.
How many bananas does the US consume per year?
Americans consume around 27 pounds of bananas per person per year, and most bananas they eat come from Latin and South America. According to Statista’s data regarding banana consumption, the per capita consumption of fresh bananas in the US amounted to approximately 27 pounds in 2020, 27 pounds in 2019, and 28 pounds in 2018.
What are the side effects of eating too many bananas?
While bananas are likely to be safe when consumed by mouth, banana consumption statistics and facts suggest that there are possible side effects of eating them. Some of them include cramping, softer stools, gas, vomiting, nausea, and bloating. Also, some people are allergic to bananas and should be especially careful.
Is it good to apply banana on face?
When applying bananas to the skin is in question, banana leaves are possibly safe. Still, there isn’t enough information to be sure if other banana parts are safe or what the side effects could be.
Conclusion
In summary, bananas are a healthy snack that can make you feel full without adding many calories or fat to your diet. They have great nutritional value being packed with nutrients including potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. Potassium and vitamin B6, help regulate your blood pressure and keep your heart healthy; fiber helps lower cholesterol levels, and tryptophan can help reduce anxiety and insomnia.
Bananas are a great way to start the day or to have as an afternoon snack. They are easy to eat when you are on the go or busy working away from home. Bananas are also versatile: you can eat them fresh or frozen; make smoothies with them; bake with them in breads or muffins; add them to smoothies, or use them as an ingredient in other recipes like banana bread or ice cream.
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