The graph illustrates the per capita consumption of both whole and low-fat milk in the United States from 1970 to 2015, measured in gallons.
It is immediately evident that whole milk consumption experienced a dramatic decline, while the popularity of low-fat milk increased steadily over the period.
In 1970, Americans consumed around 25 gallons of whole milk per person, towering over low-fat milk at just 6 gallons. Over the next two decades, whole milk usage dropped sharply, reaching approximately 14 gallons by 1990, at which point it converged with low-fat milk figures. From 1990 to 2015, whole milk intake continued its downward trajectory, eventually falling to a mere 5 gallons per person.
In contrast, low-fat milk saw a consistent upward trend. Starting from just 6 gallons in 1970, consumption almost doubled by 1990, equalling that of whole milk. The figure remained relatively stable from 1990 to 2010, before experiencing a slight decrease to 13 gallons by 2015. Notably, low-fat milk surpassed whole milk in popularity after 1990 and maintained this lead until 2015.
Overall, there was a pronounced shift in American milk consumption preferences, with whole milk losing favor as low-fat milk became the healthier choice for most consumers.