In an interesting story in The New York Times (8/03/08), "The Overflowing American Dinner Plate," Bill Marsh notes that American food consumption increased from 2.3 pounds per person per day in 1970 to 4.1 pounds per person per day in 2006. That's really not surprising, but the article looked at data from the Department of Agriculture to determine which foods have increased and which foods have decreased in consumption.

Increased

Cheese: 180%
Fresh spinach: 550%
Fresh garlic: 543%
Fresh tomatoes: 64%
Fresh and frozen shellfish: 140%
Chicken: 124%
Turkey: 110%
Fresh and frozen fish: 43%
Apple juice: 322%
Fresh bananas: 43%
Corn products: 188%
Rice: 170%
Corn sweeteners: 373%
Cream cheese: 350%
Sour cream: 275%
Salad and cooking oils: 190%

Decreased

Plain whole milk: -73%
Canned vegetables: -6%
Canned fish and shellfish: -13%
Beef: -21%
Lamb: -62%
Veal: -83%
Dried fruit: -18%
Fresh citrus fruit: -21%
Canned fruit: -40%
Barley: -36%
Edible syrups: -25%
Refined cane and beet sugar: -39%
Butter: -14%
Margarine: -58%
Lard: -64%

Despite the fanatical interest in grilling and barbecuing, note that beef consumption was down 21%, and pork did better but was still down 4%. Are we to conclude that people are grilling more fish, chicken, turkey, corn on the cob, and tomatoes? --DD