The line graph illustrates per capita consumption of whole milk and low-fat milk in the United States from 1970 to 2015.
Overall, there was a dramatic shift in consumer preference over the period, with whole milk consumption steadily declining, while low-fat milk experienced a marked increase before tapering off slightly toward the end. The two trends reversed positions around 1990, reflecting a possible change in health awareness and dietary choices.
In 1970, the average American consumed approximately 25 gallons of whole milk annually, compared to just 6 gallons of low-fat milk. Over the next four decades, whole milk intake declined consistently and sharply, reaching around 10 gallons by 2000 and falling further to roughly 5 gallons by 2015 – a reduction of 80%.
By contrast, low-fat milk consumption rose steadily, peaking at about 17 gallons per person in 2000. Notably, it surpassed whole milk around 1990 and remained the more popular choice thereafter. Although there was a slight downturn after 2000, its consumption remained significantly higher than that of whole milk, ending at about 14 gallons in 2015.
In summary, the data reveals a clear transformation in American milk consumption habits, characterized by a sharp decline in whole milk preference and a corresponding rise in the popularity of low-fat alternatives, likely driven by growing health consciousness.