Most adults in the United States are eating fruits and vegetables every day, but a significant portion still fall short, according to a recent federal report. Data from 2021 to 2023 reveals that approximately 70% of adults aged 20 and older consumed fruit or drank 100% fruit juice on any given day. Conversely, about 30% of American adults reported not eating any fruit or drinking fruit juice. Nearly all adults, 93%, reported eating a vegetable.
These findings are largely consistent with dietary patterns observed in a previous survey from 2015 to 2018, which found that 67% of adults ate fruit and 95% ate vegetables. The latest survey indicates a slight increase in fruit consumption and a decrease in vegetable consumption compared to that earlier period.
Disparities in consumption were noted across demographic groups. Women were more likely than men to consume fruit on a given day (74% compared to 66%). While similar proportions of men and women ate vegetables, there were differences in the types consumed. About 42% of women reported eating dark-green vegetables, compared to 34% of men. Dark-green vegetables are recognized for their high vitamin and mineral content, beneficial for heart, brain, and bone health.
Individuals with higher family incomes were more likely to consume fruits and vegetables than those with lower incomes. Across all income levels, however, dark-green vegetables remained the least commonly consumed type.
Despite the high rates of daily consumption, the amounts of fruits and vegetables Americans are eating remain below federal nutrition guidelines. These guidelines recommend approximately 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables daily. For context, one small apple equates to about one cup of fruit, and one medium carrot is approximately half a cup of vegetable.
The report also highlighted that 31% of adults reported consuming 100% fruit juice as their primary source of fruit intake. Nutrition experts advise that whole fruits are more beneficial due to their fiber content, which is often lacking in juices.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collects this data as part of an annual health and nutrition survey involving around 5,000 adults and children. While the survey does not analyze the specific reasons behind consumption patterns, food costs are likely a contributing factor. Following a period of low food inflation from 2015 to 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in food prices, with average grocery prices increasing by 3.5% in subsequent years.