Trends in food intakes of U.S. adults: Findings from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994–1996 and What We Eat in America, NHANES 2001–2002 and 2009–2010

Abstract

With the upsurge in diet‐related chronic diseases including obesity and diabetes in recent decades, it is of interest to determine if there are any concurrent changes in food consumption patterns. Using data from the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals 1994–1996 (n = 9,872), What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2001–2002 (n= 4,744), and WWEIA, NHANES 2009–2010 (n = 5,762), this study sought to identify trends in food intakes of U.S. adults age 20+ years. Regression analyses were used to estimate intake of major food groups and subgroups that were based on WWEIA Food Categories. For each food (sub)group, a t‐test of the β statistic representing survey period identified significant trends in intake (p<.001). A few trends were found in major food group intakes, such as increases in fruits and alcoholic beverages and decreases in vegetables. Among food subgroups, intakes rose for cheese, yogurt, nuts/seeds, pizza, candy, non‐citrus juice, and diet beverages and fell for whole/reduced‐fat milk, non‐fried potatoes/potato mixtures, and citrus juice. Although some of the trends that occurred suggest greater adherence to national dietary guidance, these improvements were offset by higher intakes of other foods that contribute large amounts of empty calories from added sugars, solid fats, and alcohol. Funding source: ARS/USDA.