NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 386 ■ October 2020

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Breakfast Intake Among Children and Adolescents: 

United States, 2015–2018 

Ana L. Terry, M.S., R.D., Edwina Wambogo, Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H., R.D., Nicholas Ansai, M.P.H., and 

Namanjeet Ahluwalia, Ph.D., D.Sc.

Key findings

Data from the National 

Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey

● In 2015–2018, 82.4% of 

children and adolescents 

consumed breakfast on a 

given day.

● The percentage of children 

and adolescents who consumed 

breakfast decreased with 

age, from 95.8% of children 

aged 2–5 years to 72.9% of 

adolescents aged 12–19 years. 

● Breakfast consumption 

increased with increasing 

family income. 

● Milk, cereal, and water were 

the most frequently consumed 

breakfast foods and beverages 

for children and adolescents 

aged 2–19 years. 

● The percentage of children 

and adolescents who consumed 

breakfast did not change 

from 2009–2010 through 

2017–2018.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and 

adolescents consume breakfast for healthier body weights, improved nutrition, 

better memory, better test scores, and better attention spans (1). This report 

describes breakfast consumption among children and adolescents by sex, 

age, race and Hispanic origin, and family income level. Foods and beverages 

frequently consumed for breakfast, as well as trends in breakfast consumption 

over the last decade, are also reported.

What percentage of children and adolescents consumed 

breakfast on a given day in 2015–2018, and were there 

differences by sex and age?

In 2015–2018, 82.4% of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years consumed 

breakfast on a given day, and no difference was observed by sex (Figure 1). 

Breakfast consumption declined with age. Almost 96% (95.8%) of children 

Figure 1. Percentage of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years consuming breakfast on a 

given day, by sex and age: United States, 2015–2018 

1Significant decreasing linear trend with age.

NOTES: Percentages are based on reporting “breakfast” or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the 

in-person 24-hour dietary recall. Access data table for Figure 1 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db386-tables508.pdf#1.

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2018.

Both Boys Girls

Percent

100

All 2–5 6–11 12–19

80

60

40

20

0

82.4 82.6 82.2

195.8 195.4 196.2

86.7 87.7 85.7

72.9 73.0 72.8

Age group (years)

NCHS reports can be downloaded from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/index.htm.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 386 ■ October 2020

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aged 2–5 years consumed breakfast, compared with 86.7% of children aged 6–11 years, and less 

than three-quarters of adolescents (72.9%) aged 12–19 years. The same pattern was observed in 

both boys and girls. No differences were observed by sex for any age group.

Were there differences in the percentage of children and adolescents who 

consumed breakfast on a given day by race and Hispanic origin and age in 

2015–2018?

Among all ages, a lower percentage of non-Hispanic black children and adolescents (77.8%) 

consumed breakfast on a given day compared with non-Hispanic white (84.5%) and non-Hispanic 

Asian (85.7%) children and adolescents (Figure 2). Fewer Hispanic (80.2%) children and 

adolescents reported consuming breakfast compared with non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic 

Asian children and adolescents, but the difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic black 

children and adolescents was not significant. 

Among those aged 2–5 years, a lower percentage of non-Hispanic black children (91.0%) 

consumed breakfast, compared with non-Hispanic white (98.0%) and non-Hispanic Asian 

(97.8%) children. The observed differences between Hispanic children (93.8%) and other race 

and Hispanic-origin groups of the same age group was not significant. A similar pattern was 

observed for adolescents aged 12–19 years. 

Figure 2. Percentage of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years consuming breakfast on a given day, by age and race 

or Hispanic origin: United States, 2015–2018 

1Significantly different from non-Hispanic black.

2Significantly different from Hispanic.

3Significantly different from non-Hispanic Asian.

4Significant decreasing linear trend with age.

NOTES: Percentages are based on reporting “breakfast” or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the in-person 24-hour dietary recall. 

Access data table for Figure 2 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db386-tables-508.pdf#2. 

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2018.

Non-Hispanic white Non-Hispanic black Non-Hispanic Asian Hispanic

Percent

100

80

60

40

20

0

All

1,284.5

377.8

85.7 380.2

2–5

1,498.0

3,491.0

497.8 493.8

6–11

288.4 384.8

93.7

382.6

12–19

175.0

367.1

76.3

71.9

Age group (years)
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Among those aged 6–11 years, fewer non-Hispanic black children (84.8%) consumed breakfast, 

compared with non-Hispanic Asian children (93.7%). In addition, fewer Hispanic children 

(82.6%) consumed breakfast compared with non-Hispanic white (88.4%) and non-Hispanic 

Asian children.

A decreasing trend in breakfast consumption with age was observed in all race and Hispanicorigin groups.

Were there differences in the percentage of children and adolescents who 

consumed breakfast on a given day by income and age in 2015–2018? 

The percentage of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years consuming breakfast on a given 

day increased with increasing levels of family income (Figure 3). Among families with incomes 

less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL), 78.4% of children and adolescents consumed 

breakfast, compared with 88.2% of those from families with incomes at or above 400% of FPL. 

Similar patterns were observed in children aged 2–11 years. Among adolescents aged 12–19 

years, the percentage who consumed breakfast was higher among those in families at or above 

400% of FPL (80.8%) compared with the three lower income groups (67.1%, 71.0%, and 68.9%, 

respectively).

A decreasing trend in breakfast consumption with age was observed in all income groups. Among 

the lowest income group, the percentage consuming breakfast decreased with age from 93.4% of 

children aged 2–5 years to 67.1% of adolescents aged 12–19 years, among children in families 

Figure 3. Percentage of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years consuming breakfast on a given day, by age and 

income: United States, 2015–2018 

1Significant increasing linear trend with income.

2Significant decreasing linear trend with age.

NOTES: FPL is federal poverty level. Percentages are based on reporting “breakfast” or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the 

in-person 24-hour dietary recall. Access data table for Figure 3 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db386-tables-508.pdf#3.

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2018.

Less than 

100% FPL

100% to less 

than 200% FPL

200% to less 

than 400% FPL

Equal to or greater 

than 400% FPL

Percent

100

80

60

40

20

0

All

178.4 81.2 81.3

88.2

2–5

1,293.4 294.5

297.2 299.0

6–11

182.5

86.5 87.0

92.3

12–19

167.1

71.0 68.9

80.8

Age group (years)
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 386 ■ October 2020

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with incomes of 100% to less than 200% of FPL, 94.5% to 71.0%, among families with incomes 

between 200% to less than 400% of FPL, 97.2% to 68.9%, and in the highest income group (at or 

above 400% of FPL), from 99.0% to 80.8%.

Which foods and beverages were most consumed for breakfast on a given 

day by children and adolescents in 2015–2018? 

The top five foods and beverages reported for breakfast varied slightly by age (Figure 4). Milk, 

cereal, and water were reported by all age groups. The remaining top five foods were pancakes, 

waffles, and French toast (15.5%) and eggs (14.6%), reported by children aged 2–5 years; 100% 

juice (15.3%) and pancakes (12.4%), reported by those aged 6–11 years; and 100% juice (8.9%) 

and eggs (8.8%), reported by adolescents. 

Water was reported by approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the three age groups 

who reported consuming breakfast (19.2% of children aged 2–5 years; 19.5% of children aged 

6–11 years; and 19.5% of adolescents aged 12–19).

Milk was reported for breakfast by children and adolescents in the three age groups: 59.7% of 

children aged 2–5 years, 47.3% of those aged 6–11 years, and 31.5% of adolescents aged 12–19. 

Children and adolescents in all age groups reported consuming ready-to-eat cereal higher in sugar 

for breakfast: 26.8% of children aged 2–5 years, 26.1% of those aged 6–11 years, and 17.3% of 

adolescents aged 12–19.

Figure 4. Most consumed foods at breakfast on a given day among children and adolescents aged 2–19 years, by age: 

United States, 2015–2018 

NOTES: Percentages are based on reporting “breakfast” or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the in-person 24-hour dietary recall 

and on the What We Eat in America food categories. Access data table for Figure 4 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db386-tables-508.pdf#4.

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2015–2018.

Percent

2–5 years

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

12–19 years

6–11 years

Milk

Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar

Water

Pancakes, waffles, French toast

Eggs and omelets

Milk

Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar

Water

Pancakes, waffles, French toast

100% juice

Milk

Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar

Water

Eggs and omelets

100% juice

59.7

26.8

19.2

15.5

14.6

47.3

26.1

19.5

15.3

12.4

31.5

19.5

17.3

8.9

8.8
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Did the percentage of children and adolescents consuming breakfast on a 

given day change during the past 10 years? 

The percentage of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years who consumed breakfast on a given 

day was consistent between 2009–2010 (82.1%) and 2017–2018 (82.5%), among all ages and for 

any age group (Figure 5). 

Figure 5. Trends in breakfast intake on a given day among children and adolescents aged 2–19 years: United States, 

2009–2010 through 2017–2018 

NOTES: Percentages are based on reporting “breakfast” or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the in-person 24-hour dietary recall. 

Access data table for Figure 5 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db386-tables-508.pdf#5.

SOURCE: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2018.

Survey years

100

80

60

0

2–5

12–19

All

6–11

2009–2010 2011–2012 2013–2014 2015–2016 2017–2018

Percent
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Summary

In 2015–2018, 82.4% of children and adolescents reported consuming breakfast. Breakfast 

consumption was generally lower among non-Hispanic black children and adolescents. An 

increase in breakfast consumption was observed as family income increased. Among children and 

adolescents who reported eating breakfast, milk was the most reported breakfast food or beverage 

among all age groups; however, consumption declined with age. Approximately 20% of children 

and adolescents in each age group reported drinking water for breakfast. No change was observed 

in the percentage of children and adolescents consuming breakfast on a given day over the decade 

from 2009–2010 to 2017–2018. The results from this brief demonstrate that approximately 20% 

of children and adolescents did not report eating breakfast on a given day. 

Definitions

Breakfast consumers: Children and adolescents (or their proxies) who reported “breakfast” 

or “desayuno” as the eating occasion for a food or beverage during the in-person 24-hour 

dietary recall. 

Food categories: Foods and beverages were grouped using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 

What We Eat in America Food Categories (2). All foods or beverages reported for breakfast were 

included in this analysis. 

Milk: Includes flavored varieties, dairy milk substitutes (such as soy or almond milks), and milk 

consumed as part of a combination food (e.g., milk added to cereal).

Ready-to-eat cereal, higher sugar: Includes higher sugar ready-to-eat cereal, greater than 

21.2g/100g (2).

Water: Includes tap, bottled, carbonated, non-carbonated, flavored, and unflavored. 

Pancakes, waffles, French toast: Includes pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

Eggs and omelets: Includes eggs and omelets.

100% juice: Includes citrus juice, apple juice, other fruit juice, and vegetable juice.

Federal poverty level (FPL): Levels are based on the income to poverty ratio, a measure of the 

annual total family income divided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 

poverty guidelines, after accounting for inflation and family size (3). 

Data source and methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a cross-sectional survey 

conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics designed to monitor the health and 

nutritional status of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population (3). It consists of home 

interviews followed by standardized physical examinations conducted in mobile examination 

centers (MECs). For this report, dietary data collected through an in-person 24-hour dietary recall 

using the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Automated Multiple Pass Method (AMPM) were 

analyzed. For children aged 2–5 years, the dietary recall was provided by a proxy. For children 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 386 ■ October 2020

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aged 6–11 years, the recall was assisted by a proxy, and for adolescents aged 12–19 the recall 

was self-reported. Limitations associated with 24-hour recalls, such as misreporting, have been 

described (4). Despite these limitations, dietary recall data have utility in describing population 

level estimates (5,6). 

The NHANES sample is selected through a complex, multistage probability design. In 

2015–2018, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic persons were oversampled. 

For more information, visit the NHANES website. Race- and Hispanic origin-specific estimates 

reflect individuals reporting only one race; those reporting more than one race are included in the 

total but are not reported separately. 

Day 1 dietary weights were used to account for differential probabilities of selection, 

nonresponse, and noncoverage. Differences between groups were tested using a univariate 

t statistic. Test for linear trends by age and over time were evaluated using orthogonal 

polynomials. The significance level for statistical testing was set at p < 0.05. All differences 

reported are statistically significant unless otherwise indicated. Data management and statistical 

analyses were conducted using SAS System for Windows version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, 

N.C.) and SUDAAN version 11.0 (RTI International, Research Triangle Park, N.C.).

About the authors

Ana L. Terry, Edwina Wambogo, Nicholas Ansai, and Namanjeet Ahluwalia are with 

CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Division of Health and Nutrition 

Examination Surveys.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org. Available from: https://www.

healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Breakfast-for-Learning.aspx.

2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2020. What We Eat in 

America Food Categories 2017–2018. Available from: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/

beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-human-nutrition-research-center/food-surveys-research-group/.

3. Chen TC, Clark J, Riddles MK, Mohadjer LK, Fakhouri THI. National Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey, 2015–2018: Sample design and estimation procedures. National Center for 

Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(184). 2020. 

4. Subar AF, Freedman LS, Tooze JA, Kirkpatrick SI, Boushey C, Neuhouser ML, et al. 

Addressing current criticism regarding the value of self-report dietary data. J Nutr 145(12):2639–

45. 2015. 

5. Ahluwalia N, Dwyer J, Terry A, Moshfegh A, Johnson C. Update on NHANES dietary data: 

Focus on collection, release, analytical considerations, and uses to inform public policy. Adv Nutr 

7(1):121–34. 2016.

6. Hébert JR, Hurley TG, Steck SE, Miller DR, Tabung FK, Peterson KE, et al. Considering the 

value of dietary assessment data in informing nutrition-related health policy. Adv Nutr 5(4):447–

55. 2014.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 386 ■ October 2020

Keywords: meals • youth • National Health and Nutrition Examination 

Survey (NHANES)

Suggested citation

Terry AL, Wambogo E, Ansai N, 

Ahluwalia N. Breakfast intake among 

children and adolescents: United States, 

2015–2018. NCHS Data Brief, no 386. 

Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health 

Statistics. 2020.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in 

the public domain and may be reproduced 

or copied without permission; citation as to 

source, however, is appreciated.

National Center for Health 

Statistics

Brian C. Moyer, Ph.D., Director

Amy M. Branum, Ph.D., Acting Associate 

Director for Science

Division of Health and Nutrition 

Examination Surveys

Ryne Paulose-Ram, M.A., Ph.D., Acting 

Director

Lara Akinbami, M.D., Acting Associate 

Director for Science

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