- In 2000, Americans consumed an average 57 pounds more meat than they did annually in the 1950s, and a third fewer eggs.
- Americans are drinking less milk and eating more cheese.
- The average consumption of added fats increased by two-thirds between 1950-59 and 2000.
- The per capita consumption of fruit and vegetables increased by one-fifth between 1970–79 and 2000.
- Consumers eat too much refined grain and too little whole grain, while the annual average grain consumption was 45 percent higher in 2000 than in the 1970s.
- America’s sweet tooth increased 39 percent between 1950–59 and 2000 as use of corn sweeteners octupled.
Source: USDA, "Agriculture Factbook 2001-2002," chapter 2, http://www.usda.gov/factbook/chapter2.htm.