Quck answer

The world’s favorite food is subjective and varies from country to country. However, some popular and widely consumed foods include rice, wheat, potatoes, and corn. Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries, while wheat is commonly used for bread and pasta in Western countries. Potatoes are enjoyed in various forms such as fries, mashed potatoes, and chips. Corn is a versatile food that can be eaten on its own or used in different dishes. Ultimately, the world’s favorite food depends on cultural preferences and individual tastes.

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Do you have a preferred dish? Like many children, you might have a fondness for spaghetti. Alternatively, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches could be your go-to. French fries and ice cream might also make it to your list! Of course, there may be adults in your life who would prefer you to mention broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Do you think people all over the world have the same favorite foods? Maybe not! When you think of Mexican cuisine, you probably associate it with dishes like tacos, pozole, or chilaquiles. Italian favorites might include fettuccine and chicken parmigiano. And if you think of going to a Chinese restaurant, what comes to mind? Chow mein, egg rolls, and fried rice could be on the menu.

Do people around the world truly have such diverse eating habits? The world appears to be getting more interconnected every day. As this happens, people share many aspects of their culture, including food.

So, what is the most popular food worldwide? According to research conducted in 2020, it’s . . . pizza! Whether it’s topped with pepperoni, cheese, or other toppings, many people across the globe choose this tomato sauce-covered pie for dinner.

Of course, pizza faces tough competition. The second most popular food globally is sushi, followed by burgers in third place. Ramen, tacos, noodles, tofu, and mochi also made the top spots. Do you see any of your favorites on this list?

If there’s one thing most people have in common, it’s their love for food. While we all have different tastes, food is a necessity in every person’s life. Unfortunately, many individuals worldwide do not have enough to eat every day. With the world’s population now exceeding seven billion people, hunger has become a growing concern.

So, what’s the issue? Is there simply not enough food globally to feed everyone? Or is something else to blame?

As it turns out, scarcity is not the problem. Currently, the world produces enough food to feed 10 billion people, which is more than the current population. Yet, over 820 million people experience hunger every single day. Why?

Experts believe that poverty and inequality are the culprits. Much of the world, particularly in developing countries, lives in poverty. There is an abundance of food grown worldwide, but many people cannot afford to purchase it. Additionally, a significant portion of the crops grown is used to feed livestock or produce fuel. Many individuals would like to see the hungry people of the world receive a larger share of this food.

Unfortunately, putting an end to world hunger is not a simple task. The issue has gained more attention in recent decades, but progress has been slow. A collective effort and agreement from many people are required for a successful solution.

Give It a Try

We hope this Wonder has sparked your curiosity for learning! Gather a few friends and family members and try one or more of the following activities:

Exploring Food and Sharing Favorites

If you want to have a great time in the kitchen, why not cook your all-time favorite meal? Just make sure to get permission from your parents and ask for their assistance, especially if you need to go to the grocery store. Take some time to think about it as well. Imagine if you had to eat the same meal every day for an entire year, what would you choose? What is your absolute favorite food and what do you like to have with it? Enjoy the process of cooking your favorite meal with your loved ones and take the opportunity to share why it holds a special place in your heart!

Are you someone who loves trying new foods? Some kids are adventurous eaters, while others tend to stick to their usual favorites. If you fall into the first category, ask an adult to take you on an exciting field trip to the local grocery store. Instead of going straight to the aisles you usually visit, explore some rare, exotic, or foreign cuisine options. Pick out a couple of items to try at home and encourage your friends and family to join in on your eating adventure. Once you’re done, share your experience with others. Did you enjoy the new foods? What made them interesting or not to your taste?

Feeling up for a challenge? Conduct a neighborhood survey of favorite foods! With the help of a friend or family member, approach your neighbors and ask them about their top food choices. Try to reach out to as many people as possible to gather a significant sample. Once you have collected the data, create a graph showcasing the top five favorite foods in your neighborhood. Share your findings with others and see if they agree. To make it even more fun, you could organize a potluck dinner and invite everyone to bring their favorite dishes!

Wonder Sources

• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-holt-gimenez/world-hunger_b_1463429.html (accessed 12 Oct. 2020)
• https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-food-in-the-world (accessed 13 Oct. 2020)
• https://www.who.int/news/item/15-07-2019-world-hunger-is-still-not-going-down-after-three-years-and-obesity-is-still-growing-un-report (accessed 13 Oct. 2020)