Americans ate 16.1 pounds of seafood in 2018, a slight uptick from the year prior, bringing seafood consumption to an 11-year high, according to data from NOAA Fisheries.
The annual Fisheries of the United States report calculates the seafood available for consumption in the U.S., and looks at the import and export of different species. Some standout this year include:
- Shrimp reached a record-high 4.6 pounds per capita — a 15 percent increase over the year prior.
- Salmon also saw an increase to 2.55 pounds per capita, from 2.41 in 2017 and 2.18 in 2016.
- Though the top 10 overall species remains the same – making up 86% of total consumption – Americans are actually eating a wider variety than in years past.
- Overall increase in fresh and frozen seafood purchases.
While the increase in seafood consumption patterns over the past decade shows promise for Americans’ health, there is a need to increase it even more. If Americans all followed the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation of at least 8 ounces of a variety of seafood per week, that would be equivalent to 26 pounds per person annually.
“Seafood is not only delicious, it includes vital nutrients needed for health and wellness at all ages, including lean protein, omega-3’s, B vitamins and minerals like iron and selenium,” said Seafood Nutrition Partnerships dietitian Valerie Agyeman, RDN. “In today’s world, everyone is busy, so simple and quick is always the way to go. Many seafood dishes can be on a table in less than 15 minutes and there’s a variety of seafood out there to fit each family style.”
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