In a recent survey by the National Dairy Council, it was revealed that over 16 million American adults—yes, actual adults—are under the impression that chocolate milk is produced exclusively from brown cows. This misconception aligns with the beliefs of about seven percent of American adults. It raises an intriguing question: what do they think comes from black and white cows?
Interestingly, while only seven percent of those surveyed attributed chocolate milk to brown cows, a staggering 48 percent admitted they simply didn’t know where it originated. Shockingly, only five percent of participants claimed not to drink milk, suggesting a significant number of milk consumers are oblivious to its source.
The situation doesn’t stop there. A study from the Department of Agriculture found that nearly 20 percent of adults are unaware that hamburgers are made from beef. In another study published in the Journal of Agricultural Education, over half of a group of elementary students in urban California didn’t realize that pickles are cucumbers or that onions and lettuce are plants. Furthermore, 40 percent didn’t know burgers come from cows, and 30 percent were unaware cheese is derived from milk.
As someone from a long line of farmers in Nebraska, these statistics are alarming. It’s disheartening to see such a disconnect between people and the origins of their food. According to the Washington Post, modern food production has led to a detachment; we simply purchase our groceries without understanding their journey from farm to table. This is perhaps reflected in our food choices, with orange juice being the most popular “fruit” and chips and fries topping the vegetable list.
In light of this, I’m definitely opting for a salad today—made with fresh vegetables that are grown in the ground.
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In summary, the startling number of adults who believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows highlights a broader issue of food literacy in America. Many people are unaware of the origins of common foods, which suggests a significant gap in education about food production. As we continue to modernize our food systems, it becomes increasingly important to reconnect with where our food actually comes from.