Nut Consumption Among U.S. Youth, 2009–2012

Nut consumption has been associated with improved weight status, nutrient intake, and diet quality among youth. However, allergies to nuts among children may be increasing, which may lead to higher vigilance over nut exposure in schools and other public settings.

An NCHS report examines the percentage of youth consuming nuts, including seeds and nut butters, on a given day. In addition, the source of nuts consumed is examined (i.e., the percentages of nuts consumed as a single-item food and as part of other foods).

Findings:

• During 2009–2012, 32.4% of youth consumed nuts (including seeds and nut butters) on a given day.
  A higher percentage of non-Hispanic white youth (37.6%) than non-Hispanic black (24.3%) or Hispanic (25.0%) youth consumed nuts.
• Almost 44.0% of youth in households at or above 350% of the poverty level consumed nuts, compared with 25.4% of youth in households below 130% of the poverty level.
• Slightly less than 40% of nuts were consumed as a single-item food and not as an ingredient in candy, breads, cakes, cookies, cereals, or other dishes.