Tag: American diet trends

According to a 2024 report, chicken continues its reign as the most consumed meat in the USA, with consumption far outpacing other popular proteins. The average American consumes significantly more chicken annually compared to beef and pork, a trend that has solidified over several decades. This shift reflects changes in pricing, health consciousness, and production methods.

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2017 to March 2020, 17% of children and adolescents reported being non-consumers of breakfast on a given day. While breakfast skipping is a notable trend across age groups, particularly among young adults, various factors influence this common dietary pattern.

According to CDC data from a 2018 report, over one-third of US adults—approximately 84.8 million people—consumed fast food on any given day between 2013 and 2016, a trend driven by convenience and busy lifestyles. While more recent statistics indicate a shift in dining habits, the prevalence of fast food remains a significant aspect of the American diet.

According to USDA data, Americans' per-person consumption of chicken has more than doubled since 1980, securing its position as the most eaten meat in the USA. This significant shift in the nation's diet occurred after poultry surpassed both pork and beef in recent decades.

While the Mediterranean diet has been consistently ranked as the best overall diet for nearly a decade, with 85.1% popularity in 2024, the number of Americans who consistently adhere to its principles is far lower. This discrepancy between popular acclaim and practical adherence highlights a complex picture of dietary habits, influenced by geography, cost, and lifestyle.