NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

Seafood Consumption in the United States, 2013–2016

 Ana L. Terry, M.S., R.D., Kirsten A. Herrick, Ph.D., M.Sc., Joseph Afful, M.S.,

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

Key findings

Data from the National 

Health and Nutrition 

Examination Survey

● In 2013–2016, 20.1% of 

adults consumed seafood at 

least two times per week.

● More than 40% of nonHispanic Asian adults (41.2%) 

consumed seafood at least two 

times per week, more than 

non-Hispanic white (18.7%), 

non-Hispanic black (22.6%), 

and Hispanic (14.5%) adults.

● Approximately 6% (5.6%) 

of youth aged 2–19 years 

consumed seafood at least two 

times per week. 

● Twenty percent of 

non-Hispanic Asian youth 

consumed seafood at least two 

times per week, more than 

non-Hispanic white (4.1%), 

non-Hispanic black (7.5%), and 

Hispanic (4.8%) youth.

● The percentage of adults and 

youth who consumed seafood 

at least two times per week 

decreased from 2005–2006 

through 2015–2016.

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (1) recommend consuming 

two servings of seafood, including fish and shellfish, per week. Consuming 

approximately 8 ounces of a variety of seafood weekly is associated with 

reduced cardiac deaths (2). This report describes the percentage of U.S. adults 

and youth who reported consuming seafood at least two times per week 

by sex, age, and race and Hispanic origin during 2013–2016. Trends in the 

percentage of adults and youth who consumed seafood at least twice weekly, 

from 2005–2006 through 2015–2016, are also presented.

Keywords: NHANES • fish • shellfish

What percentage of adults consumed seafood at least two 

times per week during 2013–2016?

Twenty percent (20.1%) of adults aged 20 and over consumed seafood at least 

two times per week (Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Percentage of adults aged 20 and over consuming seafood at least two times per 

week, by age and sex: United States, 2013–2016

1

Significant increasing linear trend by age.

NOTES: Seafood includes fish and shellfish. Age-adjusted estimates for adults aged 20 and over, using the direct method and the

2000 projected U.S. population for age groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over, are 19.9% for total, 19.8% for men, and 20.0% for 

women. Access data table for Figure 1 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db321_table.pdf#1.

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

 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 2 ■

Seafood consumption did not differ by sex among adults.

The percentage of adults who consumed seafood at least two times per week increased with age: 

17.4% among persons aged 20–39, 20.4% among persons aged 40–59, and 23.3% among persons 

aged 60 and over. 

Among men, 16.5% aged 20–39, 20.6% aged 40–59, and 24.3% aged 60 and over consumed 

seafood at least two times per week. Although not significant, a similar pattern of increasing 

percentages with age was observed among women.

Did the percentage of adults consuming seafood at least two times per 

week differ by race and Hispanic origin during 2013–2016?

More than 40% (41.2%) of non-Hispanic Asian adults consumed seafood at least two times per 

week, which was higher than non-Hispanic white (18.7%), non-Hispanic black (22.6%), and 

Hispanic (14.5%) adults (Figure 2). All differences by race and Hispanic origin were significant. 

The percentage of men consuming seafood was highest for non-Hispanic Asian men (41.2%), 

followed by non-Hispanic black (20.8%) and non-Hispanic white (18.9%) men, for whom the 

percentage is similar, and lowest for Hispanic men (14.7%).

Figure 2. Age-adjusted percentage of adults aged 20 and over consuming seafood at least two times per week, by race 

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

1

Significantly different from non-Hispanic black persons.

2

Significantly different from Hispanic persons.

3

Significantly different from non-Hispanic white persons.

NOTES: Seafood includes fish and shellfish. All estimates are age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 projected 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/db321_table.pdf#2.

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

 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 3 ■

The percentage of women consuming seafood was highest for non-Hispanic Asian women 

(41.5%), followed by non-Hispanic black (24.0%) and non-Hispanic white (18.6%) women, and 

lowest for Hispanic women (14.3%). 

There were no differences in seafood consumption by sex within the same race and 

Hispanic-origin groups.

What percentage of youth consumed seafood at least two times per week 

during 2013–2016?

Approximately 6% (5.6%) of youth between 2 and 19 years consumed seafood at least two times 

per week (Figure 3). There was no difference by age or sex in the percentages who consumed 

seafood at least two times per week.

Figure 3. Percentage of youth aged 2–19 years consuming seafood at least two times per week, by age and sex: 

United States, 2013–2016

NOTES: Seafood includes fish and shellfish. Access data table for Figure 3 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db321_table.pdf#3.

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

 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 4 ■

Did the percentage of youth consuming seafood at least two times per 

week differ by race and Hispanic origin during 2013–2016?

Approximately 20% (19.6%) of non-Hispanic Asian youth consumed seafood at least two times 

per week, more than non-Hispanic white (4.1%), non-Hispanic black (7.5%), and Hispanic 

(4.8%) youth (Figure 4). Seafood consumption was higher among non-Hispanic black youth 

compared with non-Hispanic white and Hispanic youth. 

The percentage of boys consuming seafood was highest for non-Hispanic Asian boys (20.7%), 

followed by non-Hispanic black (5.6%), Hispanic (5.5%), and non-Hispanic white (4.6%) boys. 

The percentage of girls consuming seafood was highest for non-Hispanic Asian girls (18.5%), 

followed by non-Hispanic black (9.5%), Hispanic (4.2%), and non-Hispanic white (3.5%) girls. 

Seafood consumption was higher among non-Hispanic black girls (9.5%) compared with

non-Hispanic black boys (5.6%).

Figure 4. Percentage of youth aged 2–19 years consuming seafood at least two times per week, by race and Hispanic 

origin and sex: United States, 2013–2016

1Significantly different from non-Hispanic black persons.

2Significantly different from Hispanic persons.

3Significantly different from non-Hispanic white persons.

4Significantly different from girls of the same race and Hispanic origin.

NOTES: Seafood includes fish and shellfish. Access data table for Figure 4 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db321_table.pdf#4.

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

 

 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 5 ■

What were the trends in the percentages of adults and youth consuming 

seafood at least two times per week between 2005–2006 and 2015–2016?

From 2005–2006 through 2015–2016, a decreasing trend was observed in the percentages of 

adults and youth consuming seafood at least two times per week (Figure 5). The percentage of 

adults who consumed seafood at least two times per week decreased from 26.0% to 19.2%. The 

percentage of youth who consumed seafood at least two times per week decreased from 8.3% to 

5.4%.

Figure 5. Trends in the percentage of adults aged 20 and over (age adjusted) and youth aged 2–19 years consuming 

seafood at least two times per week: United States, 2005–2006 through 2015–2016

1

Significant decreasing linear trend by survey cycle.

NOTES: Seafood includes fish and shellfish. All estimates for adults are age adjusted by the direct method to the 2000 projected U.S. population using the age 

groups 20–39, 40–59, and 60 and over. Access data table for Figure 5 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db321_table.pdf#5.

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

 

 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 6 ■

Summary

Dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is important for the maintenance of good health in children 

and provides cardiovascular benefits for adults (2). Seafood, including fish and shellfish, is 

a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, and its consumption is recommended by the Dietary 

Guidelines for Americans (1). During 2013–2016, approximately 20% of adults aged 20 and over 

and 6% of youth aged 2–19 years consumed seafood at least two times per week. The percentage 

of adults who consumed seafood at least two times per week increased with age, overall and 

among men. No differences were noted between men and women. Among youth, no differences 

were observed by age. 

Seafood consumption was highest among non-Hispanic Asian adults and youth. Among 

non-Hispanic Asian adults, approximately 40% consumed seafood at least two times per week, 

more than double the amount of other race and Hispanic-origin groups. Among non-Hispanic 

Asian youth, approximately 20% consumed seafood at least two times per week, about triple the 

amount of other race and Hispanic-origin groups.

Most youth and adults consumed seafood less than twice per week. Furthermore, trends over 

time, from 2005–2006 through 2015–2016, show a decrease in the percentage of adults and youth 

consuming seafood at least two times per week.

Definition

Seafood: The frequency of fish and shellfish consumption over the past 30 days was collected 

during the dietary interview. Participants were given a list of fish and shellfish and asked, “During 

the past thirty days, did you eat any types of fish (shellfish) listed on this card? Include any foods 

that had fish (shellfish) in them, such as sandwiches, soups, or salads.” The fish included breaded 

fish, tuna, bass, catfish, cod, flatfish, haddock, mackerel, perch, pike, pollock, porgy, salmon, 

sardines, sea bass, shark, swordfish, trout, walleye, other fish, and other unknown fish. The 

shellfish included clams, crab, crayfish, lobster, mussels, oysters, scallops, shrimp, other shellfish, 

and other unknown shellfish (3). To harmonize with the recommendation of 8 ounces or two 

servings per week, this report identified persons who reported consuming seafood eight or more 

times per month as consuming seafood at least twice a week.

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 (4). It consists of home 

interviews followed by standardized physical examinations conducted in mobile examination 

centers. For this report, data were collected through a nonquantitative food-frequency 

questionnaire (FFQ) focusing on fish and shellfish consumption during the previous 30 days. The 

fish FFQ did not collect information on portion sizes consumed; therefore, these data do not allow 

for a description of the amount of fish or shellfish consumed (3).

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/index.htm). 
NCHS Data Brief ■ No. 321 ■ September 2018

■ 7 ■

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. 

Examination sample weights were used to account for differential probabilities of selection, 

nonresponse, and noncoverage. Taylor series linearization was used to compute variance 

estimates. Differences between groups were tested using a univariate t statistic. Tests 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, Kirsten A. Herrick, and Namanjeet Ahluwalia are with the National Center for 

Health Statistics, Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Joseph Afful is with 

Peraton Corporation. 

References

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary 

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

dietaryguidelines/2015/resources/2015-2020_Dietary_Guidelines.pdf.

2. Rimm EB, Appel LJ, Chiuve SE, Djoussé L, Engler MB, Kris-Etherton PM, et al. Seafood 

long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: A science advisory from 

the American Heart Association. Circulation 138(1):e35–47. 2018.

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

(NHANES): MEC in-person dietary interviewers procedures manual. 2016. Available from: 

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/2015-2016/manuals/2016_MEC_In-Person_Dietary_

Interviewers_Procedures_Manual.pdf.

4. 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. 321 ■ September 2018

Suggested citation

Terry AL, Herrick KA, Afful J, Ahluwalia N. 

Seafood consumption in the United States, 

2013–2016. NCHS Data Brief, no 321. 

Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health 

Statistics. 2018.

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

Charles J. Rothwell, M.S., M.B.A., Director

Jennifer H. Madans, Ph.D., 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

For e-mail updates on NCHS publication 

releases, subscribe online at: 

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/govdelivery.htm.

For questions or general information

about NCHS:

Tel: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636)

TTY: 1–888–232–6348

Internet: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs

Online request form: https://www.cdc.gov/info

ISSN 1941–4927 Print ed.

ISSN 1941–4935 Online ed.

DHHS Publication No. 2018–1209

CS296074

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Center for Health Statistics

3311 Toledo Road, Room 4551, MS P08

Hyattsville, MD 20782–2064

OFFICIAL BUSINESS 

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

For more NCHS Data Briefs, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs.htm.

FIRST CLASS MAIL 

POSTAGE & FEES PAID 

CDC/NCHS

PERMIT NO. G-284