Dynamic Patterning of Beverage Intake, 1977 to 2002

Caloric intake from beverages has increased considerably over the past 25 years—thus a potential contributor to the increase in obesity as clinical research shows increased caloric intake from beverages does not lead to reduced food intake. Little is known about the overall patterning of beverages or the shifting of these patterns over time. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) overall beverage consumption patterns and (2) the dynamic shifts in beverage patterning from 1977 to 2002 in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 19 and older. We used weighted designed effect controlled data from the Nation Food Consumption Survey (1977–78) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002). Cluster analysis was used to define overall patterns of beverage intake. We then compared the major contributors to, and distribution of, beverage patterns between 1977 and 2002. Beverages contributed significantly more to daily caloric intake (+101 kcal/day) in 2002 than 1977. The overall mix of beverages shifted between 1977 and 2002: intake of low fat milk, soda, fruit drinks and diet beverages increased considerably, with coincident decreases in consumption of whole fat milk, coffee, tea. Additionally, we found differences in the overall patterns of beverage intake. In 1977, beverage clusters were dominated by whole fat milk, coffee & tea, and fruit juice with whole fat milk differentiating clusters. By 2002, however, beverage patterns were dominated by either caloric beverages, such as soda, or non‐caloric beverages such as water, coffee & tea with milk no longer differentiating clusters from one another. Understanding these overall shifts in beverage intake offers insights into options for reducing caloric intake and enhancing health among US adults. NIH CA109831‐01