Final answer:
Whole milk has had the greatest decline since 1979, with people opting for lower-fat alternatives like skim milk or plant-based milk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of milk that has had the greatest decline since 1979 is whole milk.
Whole milk is milk that contains all of its naturally occurring fat. It has experienced a decline in consumption due to various factors including health concerns and changing dietary preferences. Since 1979, the decline in whole milk consumption has been significant, with people opting for lower-fat alternatives such as skim milk or plant-based milk.
For example, according to data from the USDA, in 1975, whole milk accounted for approximately 64% of total milk consumption in the United States. By 2017, this number had dropped to only 17%. This decline can be attributed to increased awareness about the health risks associated with high saturated fat intake and the rise in popularity of alternative milk options.
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