NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Contribution of Whole Grains to Total Grains Intake Among 

Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 2013–2016

Namanjeet Ahluwalia, Ph.D., D.Sc., Kirsten A. Herrick, M.Sc., Ph.D., Ana L. Terry, M.S., R.D., 

and Jeffery P. Hughes, M.P.H.

Key findings

Data from the National 

Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey 

● During 2013–2016, whole

grains accounted for 15.8% of

total grains intake among adults

on a given day. This percentage

increased with age from 12.9%

among adults aged 20–39 to

19.7% for adults 60 and over.

● Overall, the contribution

of whole grains to total grains

intake was lower among men

(14.8%) than women (16.7%).

● The contribution of whole

grains to total grains intake

was lowest among Hispanic

adults (11.1%) compared with

non-Hispanic white (16.5%),

non-Hispanic black (13.7%),

and non-Hispanic Asian

(18.3%) adults.

● The contribution of whole

grains to total grains intake 

on a given day increased with 

increasing family income. 

● From 2005–2006 to 2015–

2016, the contribution of whole

grains to total grains intake

increased for adults overall, and

for men and women.

Total grains intake comes from whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains 

contain the entire grain kernel (bran, germ, and endosperm) (1). A higher 

intake of whole grains is linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 

cancer, and mortality (2). The “2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans” 

recommend that at least one-half of total grains intake be from whole grains 

(3). This report provides estimates of the percentage of total grains intake 

consumed from whole grains sources, for adults aged 20 and over who 

reported consumption of grains (98.6%) on a given day during 2013–2016.

What was the contribution of whole grains to total grains 

intake among adults on a given day, and did the contribution 

differ by sex and age during 2013–2016?

In 2013–2016, 15.8% of total grains intake for adults on a given day was whole 

grains. The percentage increased with age for men and women (Figure 1).

NCHS reports can be downloaded from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/index.htm.

0

5

10

15

15.8

12.9

15.7

19.7

1

14.8

1

11.1

15.0

19.8

16.7

14.7

16.3

19.7 20

25 20 and over 20–39 40–59 60 and over

Women Men2 2 Total2

Figure 1. Contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults aged 20 and over on a 

given day, by sex and age: United States, 2013–2016

1

Significantly different from women of the same age group.

2

Significant increasing linear trend with age.

NOTES: Age-adjusted estimates for adults aged 20 and over, using the direct method and the 2000 projected U.S. population 

using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over, are 15.5% for total, 14.6% for men, and 16.4% for women. Access data table 

for Figure 1 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db341_tables-508.pdf#1.

SOURCE: NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016. Percent
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

■  2  ■

The contribution of whole grains to total grains intake increased from 12.9% among adults aged 

20–39 to 19.7% for adults aged 60 and over.

Whole grains contributed to a lower percentage of total grains intake among men (14.8%) 

compared with women (16.7%). Similarly, among adults aged 20–39, the percentage of total 

grains consumed as whole grains was lower among men (11.1%) than among women (14.7%). 

Did the contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults on 

a given day differ by race and Hispanic origin during 2013–2016?

Whole grains contributed to a lower percentage of total grains intake among Hispanic adults 

(11.1%) on a given day compared with non-Hispanic white (16.5%), non-Hispanic black (13.7%), 

and non-Hispanic Asian (18.3%) adults (Figure 2). The contribution of whole grains to total 

grains intake was also lower among non-Hispanic black adults compared with non-Hispanic 

white and non-Hispanic Asian adults. 

The same patterns were noted for women, with contribution of whole grains to total grains intake 

being the lowest among Hispanic women (12.1%) compared with non-Hispanic white (17.4%), 

non-Hispanic black (14.3%), and non-Hispanic Asian (18.6%) women. The contribution of whole 

grains to total grains intake among non-Hispanic black women was also lower than non-Hispanic 

white and non-Hispanic Asian women.

Figure 2. Age-adjusted contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults aged 20 and over on a given day, 

by sex and race and Hispanic origin: United States, 2013–2016

1

Significantly different from non-Hispanic black adults.

2

Significantly different from Hispanic adults.

3

Significantly different from non-Hispanic Asian adults.

NOTES: Estimates were age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 U.S. population using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over. Access data table 

for Figure 2 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db341_tables-508.pdf#2.

SOURCE: NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016. Percent

1,216.5

2,313.7

1,218.3

1,311.1

1,215.7

3

12.9

1,218.1 1,217.4

2,314.3

1,218.6

1,312.1

3

10.0

0

5

10

15

20

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

Total Men Women
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

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Among men, a similar pattern was noted except that the observed difference in the percent 

contribution of whole grains to total grains intake between non-Hispanic black (12.9%) and 

Hispanic (10.0%) men was not significant. Whole grains contribution to total grains intake among 

Hispanic men was lower than among non-Hispanic white (15.7%) and non-Hispanic Asian 

(18.1%) men, and lower for non-Hispanic black men compared with non-Hispanic white and 

non-Hispanic Asian men.

Within each race and Hispanic-origin group, no differences were observed between men 

and women.

Did the contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults on 

a given day differ by family income level during 2013–2016?

The contribution of whole grains to total grains intake on a given day increased with increasing 

family income (Figure 3). Overall, whole grains accounted for 12.0%, 14.8%, and 17.8% of total 

grains intake for those with family incomes less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level 

(FPL), greater than 130% to less than or equal to 350% of the FPL, and greater than 350% of the 

FPL, respectively. A similar pattern occurred among both men and women.

Within the lowest and highest income levels, the percent contribution was lower among men 

compared with women: 10.7% compared with 13.1% among adults with family income less than 

or equal to 130% of the FPL, and 16.0% compared with 19.8% among adults with family income 

greater than 350% of the FPL.

Figure 3. Age-adjusted contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults aged 20 and over on a given day, 

by sex and family income level: United States, 2013–2016

1

Significantly different from women of the same family income level.

2

Significant increasing linear trend.

NOTES: FPL is federal poverty level. Estimates were age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 U.S. population using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 

and over. Significant increasing linear trend by family income level. Access data table for Figure 3 at: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db341_tables-508.pdf#3. 

SOURCE: NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2013–2016. Percent

14.3

12.0

14.8

17.8

13.1

15.4

19.8

1

16.0

1

10.7

0

5

10

15

20

25

Women Men2 2 Total2

Greater than 130% to less than Greater than 350% of the FPL

or equal to 350% of the FPL

Less than or equal 

to 130% of the FPL
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

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Did the contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults on 

a given day change over time from 2005–2006 to 2015–2016?

A linear increasing trend in the contribution of whole grains to total grains intake occurred from 

2005–2006 to 2015–2016 (Figure 4). This percentage increased from 12.6% (2005–2006) to 

15.9% (2015–2016) among adults overall. A similar increasing pattern over time was noted for 

both men and women. 

Figure 4. Age-adjusted trends in the contribution of whole grains to total grains intake among adults aged 20 and over on 

a given day, by sex: United States, 2005–2006 through 2015–2016

1

Significant increasing linear trend from 2005–2006 through 2015–2016.

NOTES: Estimates were age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 U.S. population using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over. Women were 

significantly different from men at all time points except 2015–2016. Access data table for Figure 4 at: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db341_tables-508.pdf#4. 

SOURCE: NCHS, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2016. Percent

Women1

Men1

Total1

0

10

15

13.3

16.9

15.9

14.9

12.6

11.8

20

2005–2006 2007–2008 2009–2010 2011–2012 2013–2014 2015–2016
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

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Summary 

During 2013–2016, whole grains contributed 15.8% of total grains intake on a given day among 

adults overall. This percentage increased with age and income, and was lower among Hispanic 

adults (11.1%) compared with all other race and Hispanic-origin groups. The contribution of 

whole grains to total grains intake was higher among women (16.7%) compared with men 

(14.8%). These findings are consistent with previously published tables showing intake of total, 

whole, and refined grains in the United States (4). 

Furthermore, trends over time from 2005–2006 to 2015–2016 showed an increase in the 

contribution of whole grains to total grains intake for adults overall and for men and women. 

However, the magnitude of this increase was small. Whole grains contain greater amounts of 

fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals compared with refined grains (1–3). Higher intake 

of whole grains, as part of a healthy eating pattern, may contribute to the maintenance of good 

health and has been shown to lower inflammation and provide cardiovascular benefits (2,3). 

Definitions

Whole grains: Includes barley, brown rice, buckwheat, bulgur (cracked wheat), millet, oats, 

popcorn, quinoa, dark rye, whole-grain cornmeal, whole-grain cracked wheat, wild rice, and 

grain-based products made with 100% whole grains or their flours as defined in the Food Patterns 

Equivalents Database (FPED) (1). Data on total grains (ounce equivalent) and whole grains 

(ounce equivalent) were obtained from the FPEDs (1). The percentage of grains consumed 

as whole grains was computed for each participant who reported any grain intake as the ratio 

of whole grains consumed (ounce equivalent) to total grains consumed (ounce equivalent) 

multiplied by 100.

Federal poverty level: Based on the income-to-poverty ratio, a measure of the annual total family 

income divided by the poverty guidelines, adjusted for family size and inflation.

Data source and methods

Data for this report are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 

a cross-sectional survey (5) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics designed to 

monitor the health and nutritional status of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. It 

consists of home interviews followed by standardized physical examinations conducted in mobile 

examination centers (MECs). 

Dietary information was obtained via an in-person dietary recall with trained interviewers at 

the MEC for the 24-hour period on the preceding day (midnight to midnight) (6). Foods and 

beverages reported during the recall were categorized into 37 USDA Food Patterns components 

in the FPED (1). Total and whole grains intake data based on FPEDs available since 2005–2006 

were used for these analyses. Limitations, such as underreporting associated with 24-hour recalls, 

have been well-characterized (7,8) but do not diminish the utility of the dietary data in describing 

population estimates (8,9). Whole grains intake, expressed as a percentage of total grains intake, 

partially adjusts for misreporting (10).
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

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

2013–2016, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic persons were oversampled; 

for more information, visit the NHANES website (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/). 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. Study sample included 

adults aged 20 and over with complete and reliable dietary intake data, from 2005–2006 to 

2015–2016 cycles. Adults who did not consume any grains were excluded from these analyses 

(less than 1.4%).

Day 1 dietary weights were used to account for the days of the week, and differential probabilities 

of selection, nonresponse, and noncoverage to obtain nationally representative estimates. Taylor 

series linearization was used to compute variance estimates. Differences between groups were 

tested using a univariate t statistic. Tests for trends by age, family income level, and trends over 

time were evaluated using orthogonal polynomials to determine linear trends. The significance 

level for statistical testing was set at p < 0.05. All differences reported are statistically significant 

unless otherwise indicated. 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.). Estimates were age adjusted using the direct method to the 2000 

projected U.S. population using the age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over. 

About the authors 

Namanjeet Ahluwalia, Kirsten A. Herrick, Ana L. Terry, and Jeffery P. Hughes are with the 

National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

References 

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Patterns Equivalents Database 2015–2016: 

Methodology and user guide. 2018. Available from: https://www.ars.usda.gov/

ARSUserFiles/80400530/pdf/fped/FPED_1516.pdf.

2. Aune D, Keum N, Giovannucci E, Fadnes LT, Boffetta P, Greenwood DC, et al. Whole 

grain consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all cause and cause specific 

mortality: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. 

BMJ 353:i2716. 2016. 

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2015–

2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8th ed. 2015. Available from: https://health.gov/

dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/.

4. U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food Patterns Equivalents Database data tables. 2015–2016. 

Available from: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-humannutrition-research-center/food-surveys-research-group/docs/fped-data-tables/.

5. Johnson CL, Dohrmann SM, Burt VL, Mohadjer LK. National Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey: Sample design, 2011–2014. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital 

Health Stat 2(162). 2014.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

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6. National Center for Health Statistics. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 

interviewer procedures manual. 2016. Available from: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/

nhanes/2015-2016/manuals/2016_Interviewer_Procedures_Manual.pdf.

7. 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.

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. Willett W. Nutritional epidemiology, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press. 2013.
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 341 ■ July 2019

Keywords: diet • National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 

(NHANES) 

Suggested citation

Ahluwalia N, Herrick KA, Terry AL, 

Hughes JP. Contribution of whole grains to 

total grains intake among adults aged 20 and 

over: United States, 2013–2016. NCHS Data 

Brief, no 341. Hyattsville, MD: National 

Center for Health Statistics. 2019.

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

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., Acting Director

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

Director for Science

Division of Health and Nutrition 

Examination Surveys

Kathryn S. Porter, M.D., M.S., Director

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

Director for Science

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