COMPARISON OF INTERNATIONAL FOOD GUIDE GRAPHICS FOR THE EIGHT MOST COMMONLY CONSUMED ETHNIC CUISINES IN THE U.S.

Abstract

Foodservice in the United States (U.S.) encompasses a wide variety of ethnic cuisines. This article reviews the food guide graphics for the eight most popular ethnic cuisines served in the U.S. Food guide graphics display culturally identifiable foods in different food groups and can be used as cultural guides when preparing international cuisine. Our study objective was to introduce foodservice professionals to food guide graphics, comparing shapes, food groupings, and foods pictured in each group. Guides compared in this study ranked from most to least tried cuisines include, Italy, Mexico, China, Germany, Greece, Japan, France and Sweden. Food guide graphic evaluation will help foodservice professionals provide nutritionally balanced meals when serving the most popular ethnic cuisines. This study reveals great diversity in Food Guide Graphic shape and some differences in food groupings. Foods pictured on food guide graphics show great diversity. Yet the basic recommendation for consuming a variety of foods is common to all. Most graphics recommend relatively greater amounts of grains, vegetables, and fruits and less meat, milk, and beans. As international nutrition recommendations have been shown to be similar, focusing on specific food selection and food grouping is important when cooking healthy balanced meals in various cuisines.