Trends in U.S. Whole-Grain Intakes 1994–2018: The Roles of Age, Food Source, and School Food

by Biing-Hwan Lin, Travis A. Smith, and Joanne Guthrie

Since 2005, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) guide has recommended that whole grains comprise at least half of total grain consumption. This study uses nationally representative food consumption datasets (spanning 1994–2018) to examine trends in whole-grain intakes before and after the establishment of this recommendation. Trends were examined by age group and food source, that is, in terms of food prepared at home versus food prepared away from home—with a special emphasis on children and the food the children obtained at school.

Keywords: whole grains, diet quality, consumption trends, food away from home, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, children’s diets

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