Portion Size Past and Present

News and Advice, Nutrition
on March 19, 2008

Don't let ballooning portion sizes derail your diet. Check out how servings have grown in the last 20 years below, then adjust your eating accordingly.

Bagel                               

Portion 20 years ago: 3-inch diameter, 140 cal.                                           
Portion today: 6-inch diameter, 350 cal.

Cheeseburger  

Portion 20 years ago: 330 cal.                                         
Portion today: 590 cal.

French Fries

Portion 20 years ago: 2.5 ounces, 210 cal.                                          
Portion today:  7 ounces, 610 cal.

Spaghetti & Meatballs                   

Portion 20 years ago: 1 cup pasta & 3 meatballs, 500 cal.                                        
Portion today:  2 cup pasta & 3 meatballs, 1,000 cal.

Source: National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute