The Evolution of the Food Industry in the United States: How Processed Foods, Portion Sizes, and Environmental Impact Have Changed in the Last 50 Years
The food industry in the United States has undergone significant changes over the last 50 years. One major change has been the increasing prevalence of processed and fast food. According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the proportion of calories from processed food in the American diet increased from 60% in the 1970s to 90% in the 2000s.
Another change in the food industry has been the increase in portion sizes. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the average portion size of a fast food hamburger increased by 23% and the average portion size of a soft drink increased by 52% between 1986 and 2000.
The food industry has also seen a shift towards foods high in sugar, salt and fat. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the average American diet contains 16% more added sugar than it did in the 1970s. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the average American diet contains 77% more sodium than it did in the 1970s.
The increased consumption of processed and fast food, larger portion sizes, and foods high in sugar, salt and fat have contributed to the obesity epidemic in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among adults in the United States has increased from 15% in the 1970s to 42% in 2018.
However, in recent years, there is a growing trend towards healthy and sustainable food options. Many consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices and are choosing to eat more plant-based and organic foods. According to a study published in the Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition, the market for organic food in the United States has grown by double digits every year since the 1990s, and is projected to reach $64 billion by 2025.
Overall, the food industry in the United States has undergone significant changes over the last 50 years, with a shift towards processed and fast food, larger portion sizes, and foods high in sugar, salt and fat. However, there is also a growing trend towards healthier and sustainable food options, as consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their food choices.
References:
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "The contribution of processed foods to the nutrient intake and diet quality of the US population"
- New England Journal of Medicine: "Increasing portion sizes in American diets: More calories, more obesity"
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: "Added sugars in the diet of U.S. children and adolescents: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys"
- Journal of the American Medical Association: "Sodium intake in the United States"
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Obesity and overweight"
- Journal of Hunger and Environmental Nutrition: "The organic foods market: recent trends and future prospects"
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