Comparison of Beverage Choices, What We Eat in America, NHANES 2007-2008 and 2017-2018

Objectives: To assess and compare consumption of beverages in the U.S. using nationally representative survey data, What We Eat in America (WWEIA), National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 and 2017-2018. Methods: The study included individuals, aged 2 and over, who had complete and reliable dietary intake data on day 1 of WWEIA, NHANES 2007-2008 and 2017-2018. Dietary intakes were collected via in-person 24-hour recall using the interviewer-administered 5-step USDA Automated Multiple-Pass Method. Intakes of beverages were analyzed and classified according to different beverage groups (milk, 100% juice, coffee/tea, diet beverages, sweetened beverages, alcoholic beverages, and water). Intakes of energy and nutrients were calculated using the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies. Intake of added sugars was estimated using the 2007-2008 and 2017-2018 Food Patterns Equivalents Database. Data were analyzed using SAS software with a significance level of p=0.01 and survey sample weights were applied. Results: A total of 15,651 individuals were included in the present analysis from 2007-2008 (n=8,529) and 2017-2018 (n=7,122). Among children aged 2-19, water, sweetened beverages, and milk were the most popular beverages in both survey cycles. Among adults aged 20+, water, coffee/tea, and sweetened beverages were the most popular beverages in both survey cycles. Sweetened beverages, milk, and 100% juice were consumed less frequently among both children and adults in 2017-2018 compared to 2007-2008 (p< 0.01). Beverages contributed overall less energy, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and potassium to daily intake in 2017-2018 compared to 2007-2008 (p< 0.01). Conclusions: This research emphasizes the impact that beverage intake has on the overall diets of U.S. children and adults. Funding Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture.