I came across this interesting article that discusses the changes in the
Economic Research Service food consumption (per capita) data series since
1970. The food categories that experienced the biggest % weight increase per
capita were fats/oils and grains. The largest % increases in fats/oils were
in vegetable shortening (hydrogenated oils) and salad oils (listed as olive
oil and canola--I don't know why other salad oils are not mentioned
specifically). High fructose corn syrup consumption increased 400% over the
period.


U.S. Food Consumption Up 16 Percent Since 1970
Hodan Farah 
Jean Buzby 
Amber Waves November 2005 

http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/November05/Findings/USFoodConsumption.htm