40-Year Decline Continues as Rice-Based Food Production Rises.

By Jung Seok-woo

Last year’s per capita rice consumption decreased by over 3%, setting a new record low. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics’ ‘2025 Grain Consumption Survey’ released on the 22nd, the average annual per capita rice consumption last year was 53.9 kg, down 1.9 kg (3.4%) from the previous year. Consumption in farm households (80.9 kg) and non-farm households (52.7 kg) fell by 2.9% and 3.3%, respectively. This is roughly half the consumption level of 1995, 30 years ago (117.9 kg).

Last year’s per capita rice consumption marked another record low since statistics began in 1962 (105.5 kg). Per capita grain consumption had risen to the 120–130 kg range but has declined for 40 consecutive years from 1985 (128.1 kg) to last year. Rice consumption continues to decrease due to changes in dietary habits and food culture.

The annual per capita grain consumption, including barley, wheat, and other grains, also fell to 62.5 kg, down 1.9 kg (-3%) from the previous year (64.4 kg), recording the lowest level since statistics began.

Despite the continuous decline in rice consumption, production of rice-based foods has increased amid the K-food boom. The amount of rice used as raw material in the food and beverage manufacturing industry reached 932,102 tons, up 6.7% (58,739 tons) from the previous year. This is the first time it has exceeded 900,000 tons since related statistics began in 2011. The food manufacturing sector includes rice cakes, instant rice, and rice snacks, while the beverage sector includes takju and sikhye.

Published Date: January 22, 2026