The line graph illustrates per capita consumption of whole milk and low-fat milk in the United States between 1970 and 2015.
Overall, the two types of milk show clearly contrasting trends. It can be seen that whole milk consumption declined dramatically, while low-fat milk followed a sharp upward trend before leveling off for several years.
Initially, Americans preferred whole milk, which peaked at 25 gallons per person. Its consumption then decreased steadily over the following decades, falling to around 7 gallons per capita. It continued to fall, reaching 5 gallons by the end of the period.
In 1970, Americans’ preference for low-fat milk was at its lowest point, about 7 gallons per person. Consumption of the latter rose to nearly 15 gallons over the next two decades. It then remained broadly unchanged from 1990 to 2010, before falling slightly by the end of the period.
It is clearly seen that the two types followed opposite trends, and consumer preferences shifted significantly.