Factors affecting dry bean consumption in the United States

Abstract

Total per capita dry bean consumption has increased markedly in the United States over the past two decades. However, little is known about the distribution of dry bean consumption across different marketing sectors, geographic regions, or population groups. Using data from USDA’s 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals, this article examines the consumption distribution of cooked dry beans in the United States. The analysis indicates that cooked bean consumption is greatest in the southern and western areas of the country. About 55 percent of black beans, one of the fastest growing classes in terms of per capita use, are consumed in the southern region of the country. Although people of Hispanic origin represented approximately 11 percent of the population, they accounted for 33 percent of all cooked dry edible bean consumption. Relative to their share of the population, low-income consumers ate substantially more navy, lima, and pinto beans than those with greater means.