Which of the following is not a food group represented on the MyPlate image?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, over 90% of Americans do not meet their dairy intake recommendations, highlighting the widespread confusion around dietary guidelines. The MyPlate icon was created to simplify healthy eating, but understanding what it includes—and what it purposefully leaves out—is key to a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

Explains the five official food groups visualized on the MyPlate icon, clarifying which common food categories, like oils and fats, are intentionally excluded from the visual representation.

Key Points

Excluded Category: The MyPlate image does not visually represent a food group for oils and fats, which is the most common answer to the question.
Five Food Groups: MyPlate is built on five key food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy.
Simplified Visual: The exclusion of a separate oils category is intentional, aiming to simplify the dietary message and focus on portion control of core food groups.
Prioritize Whole Foods: The model encourages consumers to focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables (half the plate) and whole grains (half of grain intake).
Differentiation from Food Pyramid: Unlike its predecessor, which featured a fats/oils category at the top, MyPlate omits this visual component to avoid potential misinterpretation.
Healthful Fats Still Recommended: While not on the visual, MyPlate guidelines still recommend including healthy oils in the diet, emphasizing unsaturated options found in foods like nuts, fish, and vegetable oils.

The short answer to the question, "Which of the following is not a food group represented on the MyPlate image?" is Oils and Fats. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) MyPlate visual guide, introduced in 2011 to replace the Food Pyramid, depicts five key food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy. While healthy oils and fats are crucial for a balanced diet, they do not have their own designated section on the plate icon. This decision was made to simplify the visual message, focusing on the main food groups that should form the bulk of a meal.

The Five Food Groups of MyPlate

To understand what is missing from MyPlate, it is first essential to know what is included. The MyPlate icon, which resembles a simplified dinner setting, is divided into four main sections and an adjacent circle for dairy. Each section represents a specific food group, providing a clear visual cue for portion distribution.

1. Fruits

Fruits fill one quarter of the plate and can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. This group is a source of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The USDA encourages consuming a variety of fruits to ensure a wide range of vitamins and antioxidants.

2. Vegetables

Making up the largest section, vegetables cover just over one quarter of the plate. MyPlate emphasizes consuming a diverse mix of vegetables from five subgroups: dark green, red and orange, starchy, beans and peas, and other vegetables. Vegetables are calorie-light and nutrient-dense, contributing significantly to overall health.

3. Grains

The grains section takes up the remaining quarter of the plate. MyPlate's primary message for this group is to make at least half of your grain intake whole grains. This includes foods like whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal, which contain the entire grain kernel and offer more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.

4. Protein Foods

The final section on the plate is dedicated to protein foods, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, and beans. MyPlate advises choosing lean protein options and varying your protein sources to get a range of nutrients.

5. Dairy

A smaller circle next to the plate represents the Dairy group, including milk, yogurt, and cheese. MyPlate recommends fat-free or low-fat options and includes fortified soy milk for those who prefer plant-based alternatives.

Why Are Oils and Fats Excluded from the MyPlate Visual?

The omission of oils and fats from the MyPlate visual is intentional and a significant difference from the former Food Pyramid.

To simplify the message: The MyPlate icon is designed for simplicity. Adding a separate section for a category that should be used sparingly could complicate the visual guide and distract from the main message of balancing fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
To prioritize nutrient-dense foods: Oils and fats are calorie-dense but less nutrient-dense than the other five food groups. By omitting them from the main plate, MyPlate prioritizes foods that offer the most vitamins, minerals, and fiber per calorie.
Not all fats are equal: MyPlate aims to help users make healthier choices within the main food groups. While it excludes a category for fats, it implicitly encourages consuming healthy fats found in protein sources like nuts, seeds, and fish, and cooking with unsaturated vegetable oils.

MyPlate vs. The Food Pyramid: A Comparative Analysis

The transition from the Food Pyramid to MyPlate represents a shift in nutritional guidance towards a more balanced and intuitive approach. Understanding the differences clarifies why certain food categories are represented differently.


Feature	Food Pyramid (Older Model)	MyPlate (Current Model)
Visual Representation	A pyramid, suggesting larger portions at the base and smaller at the top.	A dinner plate, divided into proportioned sections for each food group.
Grains	Occupied the largest base section, leading to overconsumption of carbohydrates.	Reduced to one quarter of the plate, emphasizing portion control and whole grains.
Fruits & Vegetables	Occupied a middle tier, suggesting lower priority than grains.	Together occupy half of the plate, a prominent visual cue to increase produce intake.
Oils & Fats	Represented at the very top in a small, distinct section for fats, oils, and sweets.	Not visually represented on the plate, but their inclusion is discussed in supporting guidelines.
Focus	Daily servings recommendations, which many found confusing to track.	Proportion and balance within a single meal, making the guidance more intuitive.

Putting MyPlate into Practice

Incorporating the MyPlate model into daily eating is straightforward and doesn't require precise measurement. The following practical steps can help anyone apply this guide:

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Fill a significant portion of your plate with a colorful variety of produce. This is a simple visual that immediately boosts nutrient intake.
Vary your protein choices. Instead of relying only on meat, integrate plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and nuts into your meals.
Use whole grains. Choose brown rice over white rice, and whole-wheat bread over white bread. Look for the 'whole grain' label to make an easy upgrade.
Consider dairy or alternatives. Add a glass of milk or a side of yogurt to your meal. For those who can't or don't eat dairy, fortified soy products are a suitable alternative.
Use healthy oils. While not on the plate, MyPlate still recommends using healthy oils for cooking and dressings. For more detailed guidance, refer to the USDA's MyPlate website.

Conclusion

Understanding what is not included in the MyPlate image is just as important as knowing what is. While the five food groups—Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy—form the visual basis of the icon, the absence of a designated section for oils and fats is a key feature designed to simplify nutritional recommendations. This approach encourages a focus on nutrient-dense whole foods and balanced proportions at every meal. By prioritizing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and complementing meals with low-fat dairy and healthy oils, individuals can follow a simplified yet effective guide to healthier eating. For a personalized plan, the USDA offers a tool based on individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The five food groups are Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, and Dairy. They are all represented visually on the MyPlate icon.

Oils and fats are not shown on the MyPlate visual to simplify the message and to emphasize other, more nutrient-dense food groups. The guide still recognizes their importance within a healthy eating pattern but doesn't give them a separate portion on the plate.

Yes, the MyPlate guidelines recommend including healthy oils and fats in your diet, such as those from nuts, seeds, fish, and certain vegetable oils. They are simply not represented as a main food group on the visual plate icon.

MyPlate replaced the Food Pyramid in 2011 and offers a simpler, more intuitive visual guide. It prioritizes fruits and vegetables by giving them half the plate and omits a separate fats/oils category, unlike the more complex and often misunderstood Food Pyramid.

No, beverages like water or sugary drinks are not food groups. While a glass for dairy is shown, the overall guide emphasizes choosing water over sugary drinks. Proper hydration is part of the overall healthy eating recommendations but is not a visual food group.

Yes, MyPlate's recommendations emphasize making at least half of your grain intake whole grains, which retain more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. This is a key message associated with the Grains group.

No, MyPlate does not include a category for junk food or sugary treats. These items are meant to be consumed in moderation and are not considered part of the core food groups that make up a balanced meal.