Using the 2011 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), this study examines disparities in aquatic product consumption among 15,135 individuals from 12 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China. We document differences by age, region, and urban–rural residence, and explore socio-demographic correlates of consumption across major aquatic product categories. Consumption patterns vary markedly across population groups and locations. Overall consumption exhibits an inverted U-shaped pattern over the life course, with children and older adults consuming less than working-age adults. Urban residents tend to consume more high-value products such as marine fish, shrimp, and crab, whereas rural residents show relatively higher intake of more affordable products such as freshwater fish and shellfish at certain ages. Residents in key producing areas, including major river basins and coastal regions, also report higher consumption. Regression results indicate category-specific associations: income is positively associated with freshwater fish and marine fish consumption and shows a particularly strong positive association with shrimp intake, whereas crab intake is more strongly associated with urban residence and geographic context. Geographic attributes (river-basin and coastal indicators) are also salient for shrimp, crab, and shellfish, highlighting the role of spatial supply conditions and market access in shaping consumption composition. • Aquatic product consumption in China follows an inverted U-shaped pattern with age. • Urban-rural consumption is stratified: high-value marine in urban, freshwater in rural. • Consumption is significantly higher in key aquaculture-producing (riverine/coastal) regions. • Freshwater aquaculture is pivotal, accounting for nearly 65% of total consumption. • Drivers differ by category: income affects fish, while location drives shrimp/crab intake.
Liu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.