Good nutrition is important at every stage of life. It supports healthy growth and brain development in children, safer pregnancies, and healthy aging. Vitamins and minerals play a key role in keeping the body healthy and helping prevent disease. Adults who eat well tend to live longer and have a lower risk of serious health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Eating too many foods high in added sugars and unhealthy fats can increase the risk of chronic disease. Healthy eating means choosing mostly whole foods like lean protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains. It also means cutting back on highly processed foods that are high in added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats.
See “Additional Resources” to learn about strategies, guidelines, and recommendations for preventing chronic diseases through improved nutrition.
In 2021, Hispanic/Latino adults were 8% less likely than U.S. adults overall to eat fruit less than once a day, and 56% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day.
In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school students were 13% less likely than students nationwide to not eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juices, and 12% more likely to not eat vegetables.
In 2022, Hispanic/Latino children ages 1 to 5 were 6% more likely than all U.S. children in that age group to eat fruit less than once a day, and 11% more likely to eat vegetables less than once a day.
From 2017 to 2020, the average percentage of daily calorie intake from saturated fats was 6% lower in Hispanics/Latinos than the U.S. population overall.
In 2023, Hispanic/Latino high school students were 9% less likely than students nationwide to drink soda at least twice a day.
Adults ages 20 and over who consumed fast food on a given day, 2013-2016
Hispanic
Total Population
Ratio (Hispanic / Total)
Male
35.2
37.9
0.93
Female
35.8
35.4
1.01
Both Sexes
35.5
36.6
0.97
Source: Fryar C.D., Hughes J.P., Herrick K.A., Ahluwalia, N. (2018). Fast food consumption among adults in the United States, 2013–2016 (NCHS Data Brief No. 322, Figures 1 and 2). National Center for Health Statistics, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Children and Adolescents
Youths ages 2–19 years consuming any fast food on a given day, percentage, 2013–2016
