AMERICANS ARE EATING LESS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAN THEY DID 15 YEARS AGO

Americans are eating less fruits and vegetables than they did 15 years ago, despite the push towards plant-forward options.

In its 2020 State of the Plate: Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in America report the Produce for Better Health Foundation reveals that produce is not a priority with many consumers.

The report, which was first released in 2005, consumers are eating fruits and vegetables 10% less frequently – most of that decline is the result of a 16% drop in vegetable consumption, followed by a 15% decrease in juice drinking. 

Overall consumption has declined by 3% in the past five years alone, the Produce for Better Health Foundation said.

Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO of the Produce for Better Health Foundation, says: “It is no exaggeration that we are in the midst of a fruit and vegetable consumption crisis in our country. Further, this underconsumption is not only pervasive among all age groups but it is also persistent.”

Vegetable intake has decreased in five out of eight age groups, with adults over 50 leading the decline. Older millennials are also slacking, especially when it comes to fruit consumption. 

The survey found that 25% of vegetables are consumed when dining away from home, however, with the remote work trend and more meal preparation taking place at home, vegetable eating may continue to drop, the report said.

Join us at SIAL Paris as exhibitor Join us at SIAL Paris as visitor