Trends in U.S. food consumption: priorities, and prospects

Abstract

The subject of the article is an economic study of trends in food consumption by the US population over the past five decades. The multidirectional dynamics of the consumption of individual products under the influence of economic, social and demographic factors ensures a stable level of total food consumption in the country - it has not changed much over half a century. But the structure of consumption has changed significantly, which, combined with the growing popularity of fast food, has a direct impact on the food industry and the domestic food market, stimulates some and inhibits other areas of food production and processing. Noting positive trends in US food consumption, experts point out that Americans still fall short of the Federal Dietary Guidelines. According to ERS’s loss-adjusted food availability data, Americans consume too many foods and drinks high in fat and carbohydrates and too few foods and drinks rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables and skim milk.