The given table provides a breakdown of calorie intake in the United States over four decades, starting from 1970.
Overall, the average consumption of meat, grains, fruit, added sugar and especially fat rose, while the reverse was true for the other food items – dairy products and vegetable. While meat, eggs, nuts were categories with highest intake initially, but they were overtaken by added fat towards the end of the period, fruit had the lowest consumption rate.
Looking at products which saw a substantial rise, added fat stood out with its significantly higher rate. Initially, its figure was 410 calories compared to 430 calories of grains. The consumptions of these products rose substantially to 640 calories and 625 calories in 2010, respectively, recording the highest figures ever.
Meat, eggs and nuts and added sugar were the second preferred food option, representing mediocre increases. However, the former decreased slightly from the initial 465 calories to 455 calories in 1990, before increasing to 480 calories in the final year. Meanwhile, the latter experienced consistent growth, rising from 400 calories in 1970 to 460 calories in 2010.
The other food options were not as favorite in the country, with relatively smaller numbers. The figures for Dairy products and vegetable did not change much, staying around 260 and 125 calories, respectively. Notably, despite seeing an increase at the beginning, fruit was the least consumed item ever, which increased from 70 to 85 calories. Overall calorie intake reflected the growth most products experienced, rising from 2165 in 1970 to 2665 calories in 2010.