When we think of comfort food, few dishes come to mind as quickly as the humble meat pie. It’s hearty, flaky, and packed with filling—often associated with cozy meals, football matches, or long countryside drives. But what happens when you want all that goodness without the meat?
More importantly:
Which country eats the most meat pies in the world—and how do vegetarians fit into that picture?
The clear winner in global meat pie consumption is Australia, followed closely by New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. These countries have deeply rooted pie cultures and are known to consume millions of pies annually—some even eating them as a national food staple.
However, the story doesn’t end with steak and kidney or mince and cheese. As dietary preferences shift and the demand for vegetarian and plant-based pies grows, these countries are also becoming hot spots for meat-free pie innovation.
This article explores:
- The history and popularity of meat pies
- Top pie-consuming countries
- The rise of vegetarian pies
- How plant-based options are reshaping this traditional dish
Let’s dig in.
A Brief History of the Meat Pie
The concept of enclosing filling in a crust has ancient origins. Pies date back to:
- Ancient Egypt and Greece, where early pastry shells were made from oats or barley
- The Roman Empire, where meat was preserved and cooked inside pastry cases
- Medieval England, where “pyes” became savory rather than sweet
Traditionally, meat pies were a way to preserve food and make use of cheaper cuts. Over centuries, they evolved into comfort food favorites across Europe and former British colonies.
Today, meat pies range from:
- Aussie-style handheld pies
- British pub pies like shepherd’s or steak and ale
- South African “pepper steak pies”
- Kiwi mince pies
- And many more variations
But vegetarian and vegan versions are now making waves in these same countries.
1. Australia – The World’s Meat Pie Capital
Australia eats more meat pies per capita than any other country in the world. According to local reports:
- Australians consume 270 million pies per year—that’s over 10 per person annually
- They’re sold in supermarkets, bakeries, petrol stations, and stadiums
- The Aussie meat pie is often considered a national dish
But what’s exciting is the growing market for vegetarian pies. Australians are among the most diet-conscious eaters today, with a large percentage of the population reducing or eliminating meat for health and environmental reasons.
Popular Vegetarian Pie Fillings in Australia:
- Spiced lentils and chickpeas
- Spinach and ricotta
- Pumpkin and feta
- Mushroom and onion
- Vegan mince and gravy
Brands like Four’N Twenty and local bakeries now offer plant-based pies, recognizing the demand from vegetarians, flexitarians, and vegans alike.
2. New Zealand – A Nation of Pie Lovers
New Zealanders love their pies just as much as their Aussie neighbors. Meat pies are:
- A popular lunch item and road trip snack
- Served in cafes, dairies (small shops), and even high-end restaurants
- Part of annual competitions like “New Zealand’s Best Pie” awards
While traditional pies like mince and cheese dominate, vegetarian pies are growing in popularity, particularly among younger consumers.
Common Veggie Pie Flavors in New Zealand:
- Creamy mushroom
- Spinach, kumara (sweet potato), and cheese
- Thai-style vegetable curry
- Mexican bean and corn
Even Kiwi pie chains like Patrick’s Pies and The Baker’s Cottage now offer meat-free pies with delicious flaky crusts and rich, savory fillings.
3. United Kingdom – The Birthplace of Pie Culture
From Cornish pasties to steak and ale pies, the UK has a long-standing love affair with pies. They’re served in:
- Pubs with mashed potatoes and gravy
- Convenience stores and petrol stations
- Football stadiums, where they’re a fan staple
While meat pies are iconic in British food culture, vegetarian pies are gaining serious traction.
In fact:
- British pie awards now feature Vegetarian and Vegan Pie categories
- Supermarkets stock dozens of plant-based pie options
- Brands like Pieminister, Higgidy, and Linda McCartney offer gourmet meat-free pies
Popular Vegetarian Pie Varieties in the UK:
- Mushroom and ale
- Potato, leek, and cheese
- Butternut squash and goat’s cheese
- Lentil and spinach
- Vegan “chicken” mushroom
Even Greggs, the UK’s largest bakery chain, launched a vegan steak bake to huge fanfare—selling out in many locations on launch day.
4. South Africa – British Influence with Local Flair
South Africa inherited its pie culture from British colonial rule, and today:
- Meat pies are sold in nearly every supermarket, petrol station, and school cafeteria
- Local chains like King Pie and Pieman’s dominate the market
- Pies are often spicy, filled with curry or peri-peri seasonings
Vegetarian pies are also growing, especially in urban centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg where health trends and plant-based eating are on the rise.
Common Veggie Pie Fillings in South Africa:
- Spicy vegetable curry
- Spinach and feta
- Butternut and lentil
- Mushroom and caramelized onion
While meat pies still dominate, South Africa’s increasingly health-conscious youth is exploring more plant-based versions of classic dishes—including pies.
5. Canada and the United States – A Pie Revival
In North America, meat pies aren’t as ingrained in daily culture, but they are still loved in certain regions:
- In Canada, particularly Quebec, tourtière is a traditional meat pie, but vegetarian versions using lentils or mushrooms are gaining popularity during the holidays.
- In the U.S., meat pies like chicken pot pie are comfort staples, and vegetarian spins like creamy veggie pot pies are now widely available.
Companies like Amy’s Kitchen offer frozen organic vegetarian pot pies, while high-end chefs experiment with gourmet versions.
The Rise of the Vegetarian Pie
With global movements toward sustainability, animal welfare, and health-conscious eating, vegetarian and vegan pies are no longer a niche item—they’re mainstream.
Why They’re Popular:
- Easy to prepare and freeze
- Hearty, satisfying, and rich in flavor
- Ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, and quick dinners
- Customizable for different cuisines—Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, and more
Common Plant-Based Pie Ingredients
Filling a vegetarian pie means getting creative with texture and flavor. Popular choices include:
- Mushrooms – rich and meaty in flavor
- Lentils and legumes – great for protein and bulk
- Tofu and tempeh – marinated or minced for filling
- Root vegetables – carrots, sweet potato, beets
- Leafy greens and cheese – like spinach, kale, and ricotta
- Spices and herbs – to mimic savory meat profiles
Conclusion: Australia Leads, But the Vegetarian Pie Is Going Global
So, who eats the most meat pies in the world?
Australia takes the crown—with New Zealand and the United Kingdom right behind.
But the world is changing. The definition of a “meat pie” is evolving, and vegetarian pies are becoming part of that cultural shift.
Whether you’re enjoying a mushroom and ale pie in London, a pumpkin and feta pie in Melbourne, or a spicy lentil curry pie in Cape Town, one thing is certain:
You don’t need meat to enjoy a truly satisfying pie.