Tag: American diet

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, adult males in the US consume about one-third more protein than females, with many regularly exceeding the recommended dietary allowance. So, do Americans eat more protein than they need for optimal health, and what does this mean for the average person?

According to the National Institutes of Health, red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. While other foods like fortified cereals and shellfish are also significant contributors, a large portion of the population relies on animal protein sources to meet their daily zinc needs.

According to data from the USDA's What We Eat in America survey (NHANES 2011–2012), dairy products were the single largest contributor to daily phosphorus intake, accounting for 20% of the total. This highlights the significant role that dairy plays in answering the question of which is the most common source of phosphorus for Americans.

The average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium daily, far exceeding the recommended limit of 2,300 mg. This raises a common question: Why is food in the US so salty? The answer lies in a complex mix of commercial, historical, and cultural factors that shape the American food landscape.

According to USDA data, Americans consume significantly more total meat than many other developed nations, with average intake estimates often exceeding dietary recommendations. This disparity raises the critical question: **are Americans eating too much meat** and what are the implications for individual and planetary health?

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. adults are eating an average of 2.9 ounces of protein per day, which is higher than the minimum requirements for most. This article explores why many Americans do eat more protein than recommended and what that means for your health.

According to the latest NOAA data, U.S. per capita seafood consumption was 19.7 pounds in 2022, a slight decrease from the record high in 2021 but still above pre-pandemic levels. However, this annual figure doesn't show how often does the average American eat seafood, revealing that many fall short of dietary recommendations.

By 2018, approximately 37% of American adults were consuming fast food on a given day. This statistic underscores a profound cultural shift, illustrating just how deeply fast food changed the way America eats, reshaping everything from family dinners to national health trends.

According to a Statista survey published in August 2025, approximately 11% of U.S. consumers followed a gluten-free diet in the first quarter of 2024. This growing figure highlights a significant interest in gluten-free living, driven by a complex mix of medical necessity and lifestyle choices influencing what percent of Americans eat gluten-free.

According to a 2023 study, adults in Kentucky have the highest average intake of added sugars in the United States, consuming an average of 21.2 teaspoons per day. This finding highlights significant state-by-state dietary disparities and prompts a deeper look into which state eats the most sugar and the reasons behind it.