It has been no secret that the standard American diet (SAD) is less than optimal. Unfortunately, many countries are starting to pick up some of our bad habits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture keeps statistics on the amount of food sold in this country each year. Based on sales, consumption statistics are calculated. This data is generally slightly higher than actual values, the result of factors such as loss, waste, spoilage, not consuming everything purchased, and not finishing everything prepared. Unfortunately, the categories that contain the greatest overestimates are those foods that have a shorter shelf life, i.e., fruits and vegetables.
The following numbers are estimates per person per year:
Sweetened Beverages (includes soda and sweetened fruit drinks)
1970: 25 gallons
1997: 61 gallons
Beer
1970: 28 gallons
1997: 32 gallons
Fruit Juice
1970: 5 1/2 gallons
1997: 9 1/2 gallons
Bottled Water
1970: trace
1997: 13 1/2 gallons
Coffee
1970: 34 gallons
1997: 24 gallons
Tea
1970: 6 gallons
1997: 7 gallons
Sugars(including table sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and honey)
1970: 121 pounds
1997: 154 pounds
Beef
1970: 80 pounds
1997: 64 pounds
Chicken
1970: 28 pounds
1997: 51 pounds
Turkey
1970: 8 pounds
1997: 14 pounds
Pork
1970: 49 pounds
1997: 49 pounds
Fish (including shellfish)
1970: 11 pounds
1997: 14 pounds
Flour (white, wheat)
1970: 104 pounds
1997: 138 pounds
Flour (other grains)
1970: 11 pounds
1997: 23 pounds
Flour (pasta)
1970: 6 pounds
1997: 13 pounds
Oats
1970: 5 pounds
1997: 7 pounds
Rice
1970: 6 pounds
1997: 20 pounds
Eggs
1970: 310
1997: 243
Whole Milk
1970: 25 gallons
1997: 8 gallons
Low-Fat Milk (2%)
1970: 3 gallons
1997: 8 gallons
Low-Fat Milk (1%)
1970: trace
1997: 2 gallons
Nonfat Milk
1970: 1 gallon
1997: 4 gallons
Cheese
1970: 11 pounds
1997: 28 pounds
Ice Cream
1970: 18 pounds
1997: 16 pounds
Yogurt
1970: 1/2 pound
1997: 5 pounds
Low-Fat Ice Cream
1970: 8 pounds
1997: 8 pounds
Fresh Vegetables (except potatoes)
1970: 90 pounds
1997: 138 pounds
Fresh Fruit
1970: 100 pounds
1997: 133 pounds
Fresh Potatoes
1970: 61 pounds
1997: 49 pounds
Beans
1970: 5 pounds
1997: 6 1/2 pounds
Canned, Dried and Frozen Fruit
1970: 41 pounds
1997: 35 pounds
Frozen Vegetables (except potatoes)
1970: 15 pounds
1997: 22 pounds
Canned Vegetables
1970: 100 pounds
1997: 106 pounds
Frozen Potatoes
1970: 29 pounds
1997: 59 pounds
Butter
1970: 5 pounds
1997: 5 pounds
Margarine
1970: 10 1/2 pounds
1997: 9 pounds
Salad and Cooking Oil
1970: 15 pounds
1997: 28 pounds
Shortening
1970: 17 pounds
1997: 21 pounds
Total fat consumption peaked in 1993 at 70 pounds. Total beef consumption peaked in 1977 at 90 pounds. Sugars, soft drinks, cheese, fresh fruits and fresh vegetables all hit new highs in 1997.
When reviewing the numbers, it is nice to see we are eating more of what we should eat (fresh fruits and vegetables). Unfortunately, we are also eating more of what we shouldn't eat. Further analysis also reveals a tremendous increase in total calories and exceptional opportunities for 21st century entrepreneurs to figure out how to suppress man's genetic drive to overindulge.
Resources
Liebman B. The changing American diet. Nutrition Action Health Letter April 1999.
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