The given line graph illustrates the amount of different sweetener types available in the United States between 1966 and 2011, expressed in pounds per-capita.
Overall, the total consumption of sweeteners increased steadily until the late 1990s before declining. Corn rose gradually to replace refined cane sugars in the mid-1980s but later declined, whereas sugars showed the opposite trend of corn. In contrast, honey and edible syrups stayed low and almost unchanged throughout the period.
In terms of total supply, Americans consumed just over 120 pounds of sweeteners in 1966. This figure went up consistently and peaked at 160 pounds between 1999 and 2000 before falling back to about 140 pounds in 2012.
Corn sweeteners commenced at under 20 pounds in 1966, after which their consumption showed a steady increase, reaching around 80 pounds in the early 2000s. However, it dropped to approximately 60 pounds by 2012, being overtaken by sugars intake. Meanwhile, refined cane and beet sugars began at nearly 100 pounds, decreased gradually to above 60 pounds in the mid-1980s and subsequently stabilized, remaining marginally more than corn sweeteners.
By comparison, honey and edible syrups contributed only small share of overall sweetener intake. Both fluctuated around 10 pounds, showing just little change across the entire period.