The line graph delineates the per capita consumption of four specific dairy categories in the United States over a forty-year period commencing in 1970.
Overall, the market for dairy underwent a significant transformation. While cheese and yogurt witnessed a sustained escalation in popularity, full-fat ice cream experienced a progressive decline. In contrast, the intake of low-fat ice cream remained remarkably stable, ending the period near its initial levels despite minor intermediary fluctuations.
In 1970, full-fat ice cream and cheese represented the primary choices for consumers, with intake figures standing at approximately 11 and 8 pounds respectively. However, their trajectories soon diverged; cheese consumption surged consistently, doubling by 1990 and eventually peaking at over 22 pounds per person by 2010. Conversely, the demand for full-fat ice cream waned steadily, falling to roughly 9 pounds by the terminal year.
The most dramatic proportional growth was observed in yogurt. Starting from a negligible base of nearly zero in 1970, its popularity grew ten-fold to reach approximately 9 pounds per person, effectively converging with the figures for full-fat ice cream by the end of the period. Meanwhile, the consumption of low-fat ice cream hovered consistently between 3 and 5 pounds. Despite reaching a modest peak just before the millennium, it ultimately receded to its 1970 level of roughly 4 pounds per person.