1 us agriculture linking consumers and producers n what do americans eat t he american diet has changed considerably over the last 25 years red meat consumption for example fell 13 percent between 1970 1995 while poultry rose 86 fish shellfish 27 egg use declined by nearly a fourth cheese more than doubled to pounds per person in of coffee milk given way icy cold carbonated soft drinks bottled water beer canned iced tea fruit juices cocktails ades change been driven various factors prices consumer income food assistance poor convenience new products imports eating away from home snacking expanded advertising programs smaller households two earner increased ethnic diversity an aging population scientific base relating health dietary guidelines 60 30 0 90 120 150 41 24 22 16 23 42 111 140 green bean equivalent eggs beverage alcoholic beverages fruits vegetables caloric sweeteners fats oils flour cereal