Trends in Americans’ fruit and veg choices

Americans are eating less potatoes and whole head lettuce, and more avocados, chili peppers, blueberries and kale, than they did a decade ago.

Analysis of the USDA Economic Research Service’s loss-adjusted food availability data for the ten years to 2013 shows Americans’ annual consumption of total fruits and vegetables has dropped 27 pounds to 272 lb per person.

According to What’s Trending in Americans’ Fruit and Vegetable Choices, 22 lb of this decline relates to reduced consumption of orange juice, potatoes and head lettuce.

“Declining consumption of individual commodities may be due to falling demand and more variety of competing fruits (fresh grapefruit), production issues not fully offset by imports (orange juice), or greater interest in fresh produce (canned corn).

“Other fruits and vegetables have gained a larger following, reflecting the popularity of ethnic cuisines (avocados and chili peppers), interest in foods tagged as ‘super foods’ (blueberries and kale), and other diet and lifestyle trends.”