Grain Consumption Up Since 1970, But Down Since 2000

According to an analysis of USDA data, Americans these days consume 29 percent more grains (122.1 pounds a year) – mostly breads, pastries and other baked goods – than in 1970. But that’s down from 2000, the year of “peak grain,” when yearly consumption was 137.6 pounds. While corn products are a somewhat bigger part of the average American diet (14 pounds a year, up from 4.9 pounds), wheat is still the country’s staple grain. Other findings from the Pew Research Center analysis: Americans now prefer chicken to beef, eating more than double the amount eaten in 1970, and a third less beef; Americans are drinking 42 percent less milk, but eating three times the cheese; and yogurt has experienced a 1,700 percent increase in consumption, from negligible in 1970 to 1.2 gallons a year. [Image credit: © Wikimedia Commons]