The line graph illustrates the trends in the consumption of margarine, butter, and low-fat and reduced spreads, measured in grams, between 1981 and 2007.
Overall, the trends indicate a notable decline in the consumption of butter and margarine over this period, while low-fat and reduced spreads experienced significant growth during the same time frame.
In 1981, butter consumption began at just under 140 grams. It saw a gradual increase to around 155 grams in 1986 before falling back to 100 grams in 1991. Following this, it declined slightly to approximately 70 grams in 1996 and ultimately dropped to about 50 grams in 2007, reaching its lowest point. In contrast, margarine started at approximately 90 grams in 1981, then surged to roughly 100 grams in 1986. After stabilizing for a period, its consumption dramatically decreased to 40 grams by 2007.
Conversely, low-fat and reduced spreads only began to be tracked in 1996, with a consumption level of 15 grams. This category then experienced significant growth, reaching approximately 85 grams in 2001, before experiencing a slight decline to about 75 grams in 2007.
