The line graph illustrates the daily consumption (in grams per person) of three types of spreads — margarine, low fat & reduced spreads, and butter — in a certain country over the period from 1981 to 2007.
Overall, butter was the most consumed spread in 1981, but its popularity declined steadily throughout the period. Margarine consumption remained relatively stable until the early 2000s, after which it dropped sharply. In contrast, low fat and reduced spreads, which were introduced after 1991, saw a rapid rise in consumption, eventually surpassing both butter and margarine before declining slightly by 2007.
In detail, butter consumption was highest in 1986 at around 160 grams per person but then fell dramatically to about 50 grams by 2007. Margarine started at approximately 90 grams in 1981, experienced minor fluctuations, and matched butter’s level around 1991 and 1996, before declining to about 40 grams in 2007.
Low fat and reduced spreads were not consumed before 1991. However, between 1996 and 2001, their consumption soared from about 10 grams to 80 grams, overtaking both butter and margarine. By 2007, their intake slightly decreased to around 70 grams per person per day, remaining the most consumed spread.
This trend suggests a shift in consumer preference toward healthier or low-fat alternatives over time.