Th chart above illustrates the consumption levels of three different types of spreads (butter, margarine, and Low fat and reduced spreads) over a 26-year period between 1981 and 2007. Units were shown in grams.
Looking from an overall perspective, both butter and margarine witnessed a considerable downward trend, over the period in question. In contrast, low fat and reduced spreads, which were introduced later, saw a sharp rise before falling slightly towards the end of period.
Looking at details, butter the highest consumption level at around 140 grams, followed by margarine at about 90 grams in 1981. Having experienced a brief increase, butter use reached the amount of just under 160 grams, which is the peak level during the whole period. Subsequently, the figure plummeted at first before declining gradually, eventually reaching 50 grams in 2007. Regarding the usage of margarine, there was a slight fluctuation over a ten-year period from 1981 to 1991. After levelling off for five years at 100 grams, the figure went down significantly, hitting the lowest point of the given timeframe.
On the other hand, despite being introduced approximately fifteen years later, low fat and reduced spreads gained popularity within a short period of time, overtaking both margarine and butter. Even though it dropped, accounting for 70 grams, the figure still remained as the highest amount in 2007.