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Grains provided nearly a quarter of daily calories for the average American in 2009

A pie chart showing the share of calories, by food groups, consumed by Americans in 2009.

Americans are consuming more calories per day than they did nearly 40 years ago. In 1970, Americans consumed an estimated 2,169 calories per person per day whereas in 2009, they consumed an estimated 2,594 calories (after adjusting for plate waste, spoilage, and other food losses). In 2009, grains-flour and cereal products-provided more calories per day than fats and oils; meat, eggs, and nuts; caloric sweeteners; dairy; and fruit and vegetables. This chart is from the Diet Quality and Food Consumption briefing room on the ERS website, updated in July 2011.

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