Since 2009, the overall diet quality among Americans, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), has modestly improved. The mean HEI-2010 score increased from 49 in 1999–2000 to 59 in 2011–2012, and projections based on this trend suggest it would reach approximately 65 by 2019–2020
. This improvement reflects positive changes such as reduced consumption of trans fats and increased intake of whole fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and polyunsaturated fats
. However, sodium intake has increased, and most Americans still fall short of meeting the Healthy People 2020 objectives and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in nearly every component of diet quality
. In summary, while Americans’ overall diet quality has gradually improved since 2009, the pace of improvement is not sufficient to meet national dietary goals, and significant gaps remain, especially regarding sodium intake and overall adherence to dietary guidelines
