The prevalence of obesity among American adults has been on the rise for decades. While the obesity epidemic has ushered in wave after wave of fad diets and weight loss schemes, the fact remains that a balanced diet is one of the simplest and most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle.

Despite near-universal understanding of the importance of regular fruit and vegetable consumption, not all American adults make it a priority. Nationwide, only about 78% of adults eat vegetables at least once a day, and an even smaller 60% share consume fruit on a daily basis. Additionally, despite the known adverse health effects associated with high sugar consumption, about one in five American high school students drink soda every day.

While maintaining a balanced diet may seem straightforward, dietary habits are subject to a range of social and economic factors, and as a result, vary considerably by region and state.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed fruit, vegetable, and soda consumption rates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the states with the best (and worst) diets.

Though a balanced diet is only one aspect of a healthy lifestyle, states with larger shares of residents who regularly consume fruits and vegetables tend to report other healthy behaviors which in turn support healthier outcomes — including lower obesity rates and lower incidence of premature death.

Consuming healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables appears more common in some regions, with the states with the best diets concentrated in the Northeast and least healthy confined exclusively to the South.

Click here to read about the states with the best and worst diets.
Click here to read our detailed findings and methodology.

1. New Hampshire
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 82.7% (3rd highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 66.7% (the highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 13.0%
> Obesity rate: 26.3% (13th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 7.3% (the lowest)

New Hampshire residents are the most likely of any state to have a balanced diet. Some 82.7% of adults in the state incorporate vegetables into at least one of their meals daily, which tops the 77.9% of adults nationwide who report similar vegetable consumption. A whopping 66.7% eat fruit at least once per day, the largest share of any state.

Higher income households have access to a greater range of healthy options related to diet and lifestyle. Partially as a result, residents of states with higher median household incomes tend to be healthier as a whole. The median household income in New Hampshire is $70,936 a year, over $13,000 above the median income nationwide. The state also has the lowest poverty rate of all the states at just 7.3%.

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2. Vermont
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 82.4% (4th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 66.1% (2nd highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 14.8%
> Obesity rate: 25.1% (8th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.9% (19th lowest)

Residents of Vermont are more likely to have healthier dietary habits than most Americans. Some 66.1% of adults in Vermont eat fruit at least once every day, and 82.4% eat vegetables at least one time per day — both significantly better than the respective national average shares of 59.8% and 77.9%.

A balanced diet, while important, is only one component of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise is another. In Vermont, nearly 60% of adults get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise at a moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of aerobic activity at vigorous-intensity each week, a larger share than in all but two other states. Higher than average exercise rates and well-balanced diets partially explain why only 25.1% of adults in Vermont are obese, one of the smaller shares among states.

3. Oregon
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 83.5% (the highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 63.5% (Tied — 10th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 30.1% (22nd highest)
> Poverty rate: 13.3% (Tied — 24th lowest)

The adult population in Oregon report some healthy dietary habits. Some 83.5% of adults eat vegetables at least once daily, the highest percentage of any state and well above the national average of 77.9%. Additionally, 63.5% of adults in the state consume fruit daily, a larger share than in most states.

Regular fruit and vegetable consumption — while important — does not mean large shares of adults are avoiding unhealthy sugary and fatty foods. Despite high fruit and vegetable consumption in the state, some 30.1% of adults in Oregon are obese, compared to only 28.9% of adults nationwide.

4. Washington
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 83.1% (2nd highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 63.5% (Tied — 10th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 26.4% (14th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.3% (Tied — 14th lowest)

Adults in Washington state tend to be diligent about incorporating at least one serving of fruit and one serving of vegetables into their daily diet. Some 63.5% of the adult population eats fruit at least once daily and 83.1% eat vegetables at least one time per day, both of which top the national figures of 59.8% and 77.9%, respectively.

Further indicative of healthy lifestyles, a majority of adult residents in this West Coast state regularly participate in physical activities. Only 19.0% of adults in Washington lead completely sedentary lives, the second smallest share of any state in the country. Active lifestyles and balanced diets contribute to a lower likelihood of premature death across the population. For every 100,000 state residents, there are only 286 deaths before age 75, well below the 333 per 100,000 premature death rate nationwide.

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5. Colorado
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 82.2% (5th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.2% (Tied — 6th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 20.2% (the lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.0% (Tied — 12th lowest)

Residents of the mountainous state of Colorado have, for the most part, well-balanced diets. A total of 82.2% of adults integrate vegetables into their diet at least once daily, and 64.2% integrate fruit into at least one meal per day. Not only are these figures among the highest shares nationwide, but they also top the respective national average shares of 77.9% and 59.8%.

Colorado has the highest share of adults achieving 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of more intense aerobic exercise and strength training on two or more days of the week. The combination of a relatively healthy diet and regular exercise has likely contributed to some positive health outcomes in the state. For example, Colorado’s obesity rate of 20.2% is the lowest of any state.

6. California
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 81.4% (8th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.2% (Tied — 6th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 14.2%
> Obesity rate: 24.2% (4th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 14.3% (20th highest)

Residents of California are among the healthiest nationwide. The 24.2% adult obesity rate in California is well below the national obesity rate of 28.9%. A slew of factors can contribute to a low obesity rate in a population. One such factor is exercise, and only 20.0% of adults in California do not engage in physical activities during their free time, which is well below the national inactivity rate of 25.9%.

In addition to regular exercise, 81.4% of adults incorporate vegetables into their diet at least once a day, more than the national proportion of 77.9%. Even kids in the state demonstrate healthy habits, most notably in their choice to avoid soft drinks. Only 14.2% of high school students in California drink soda once a day, well below the national share of 20.4% of ninth to 12th graders who report such soda consumption.

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7. Massachusetts
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 81.7% (6th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 66.0% (3rd highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 13.8%
> Obesity rate: 24.3% (5th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 10.4% (Tied — 9th lowest)

Higher income households have access to a wider range of healthy options related to diet. Partially as a result, residents of wealthier states tend to report healthier eating habits. With a median household income of $75,297 a year — the fourth highest of any state — Massachusetts is no exception. Some 66.0% of adults in the states consume fruit at least once every day, and 81.7% consume vegetables at least once daily, each among the largest shares of any state.

A healthy diet is often critical to maintaining a healthy weight, and only 24.3% of adults in Massachusetts are obese. In comparison, 28.9% of American adults are obese.

8. Connecticut
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 80.5% (13th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.5% (5th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 11.9%
> Obesity rate: 25.3% (9th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 9.8% (4th lowest)

Residents of this New England state are more likely to earn higher incomes, which provides them better access to healthier food and exercise options.The median household income in Connecticut is $73,433 a year, considerably higher than the national median income of $57,617. At 9.8%, Connecticut’s poverty rate is the fourth lowest among states and far below the national poverty rate of 14.0%.

Widespread financial security means more adults in Connecticut have access to healthy food options. Some 80.5% of adults in the state consume vegetables at least once daily and another 64.5% consume fruit at least once per day — each among the larger shares compared to other states.

9. Maine
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 81.7% (6th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.8% (4th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 30.0% (24th highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.5% (21st lowest)

Most New England states rank among the top 10 for healthy diets, and Maine is among them. Households facing serious financial hardship are less likely to be able to afford healthy diets and lifestyles. In Maine, only 12.5% of the population lives below the poverty line, a smaller share than the 14.0% of Americans. Across the state, 64.8% of adults eat fruit daily, and 81.7% consume vegetables every day — above the 59.8% and 77.9% comparable shares nationwide.

Consumption of healthy foods does not necessarily mean Maine residents are not also over-indulging in unhealthy foods. Despite the higher fruit and vegetable consumption, some 30.0% of adults in the state are obese, above the 28.9% share of American adults.

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10. Utah
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 80.0% (15th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 62.4% (Tied — 15th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 24.5% (6th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 10.2% (7th lowest)

A strong majority of adults in Utah not only eat vegetables and fruit at least once daily — at 80.0% and 62.4%, respectively — but also make it a point to exercise in their free time. Only 20.3% do not engage in physical activity during their leisure time, which is well below the nationwide proportion of 25.9%.

Healthy dietary habits in combination with frequent exercise can help keep unhealthy weight off. The adult obesity rate in Utah of 24.5% is the sixth lowest among all the states and well below the national rate of 28.9%.

11. Idaho
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 81.4% (8th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 60.6% (23rd highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 13.5%
> Obesity rate: 28.6% (18th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 14.4% (19th highest)

Several Western states are home to large shares of adults who report relatively healthy lifestyles. Idaho is one of them. A larger than typical share of adults in the state engage in aerobic and muscle building exercises on a weekly basis. Additionally, adults in the state are slightly more likely than most to eat fruits and vegetables every day.

A balanced diet, when coupled with a physically active lifestyle, can lengthen life expectancy. In Idaho, there are only 310 deaths per 100,000 people younger than age 75, which is below the nationwide premature death rate of 333 per 100,000.

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12. New Jersey
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 77.9% (25th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.1% (8th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 25.6% (10th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 10.4% (Tied– 9th lowest)

New Jersey’s median household income of $76,126 is higher than in most states — and wealthier households have access to a greater range of healthy options related to diet and lifestyle. While 77.9% of adults in New Jersey eat vegetables at least once daily, in line with the national share, 64.1% of adults in the Garden State incorporate fruit into their daily diet, well above the 59.8% share of adults nationwide.

13. Nevada
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 80.8% (11th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 63.1% (12th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 13.7%
> Obesity rate: 26.7% (15th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 13.8% (23rd highest)

An estimated 80.8% of adults in Nevada eat vegetables daily, and 63.1% eat fruit at least once per day, each among the higher shares nationwide. Access to healthy foods facilitates residents’ ability to maintain healthy diets, and only about 12% of households in Nevada struggle to afford food at least once during the year, slightly fewer than the 13% share of U.S. households.

Children in the state also report healthier dietary habits than children in most other states. For example, only 13.7% of high schoolers in the state drink soda daily, below the comparable 20.4% of high schoolers nationwide.

14. Montana
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 80.7% (12th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 60.7% (Tied — 21st highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.6%
> Obesity rate: 23.6% (3rd lowest)
> Poverty rate: 13.3% (Tied — 24th highest)

Some 80.7% of adults in Montana eat vegetables at least once per day, and 60.7% eat fruit at least once daily, both of which exceed the national figures of 77.9% and 59.8%, respectively. Additionally, 40.1% of adults adhere to the recommended amount of weekly exercise — the highest share of any state and well above the average nationwide share of 31.3%.

Frequent exercise and healthy dietary habits can contribute to healthier body weight. The adult obesity rate in Montana of 23.6% is the third lowest of any state and well below the national obesity rate of 28.9%.

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15. Delaware
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 79.3% (17th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 61.8% (18th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 19.1%
> Obesity rate: 29.7% (23rd lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.7% (16th lowest)

Some 79.3% of adults in Delaware eat vegetables at least once a day, and 61.8% consume fruit daily — each above the corresponding shares of adults nationwide. Combined with regular exercise, a balanced diet can help individuals maintain a healthy weight. However, adults in Delaware are less likely to regularly engage in moderate or intensely vigorous exercise. The relative high inactivity rate has likely contributed to the relatively high shares of overweight and obese adults in the state. Some 37.2% of adults in the state are overweight, and 29.7% are obese — each larger than the respective 35.7% and 28.9% rates nationwide.

Children in the state are more likely to be less healthy than their peers nationwide in both behavior and outcomes. High schoolers in Delaware are less likely to eat fruit every day than the typical American high schooler, and they are more likely to be obese.

16. Minnesota
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 77.6% (24th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 62.9% (13th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 26.1% (12th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 9.9% (Tied — 6th lowest)

Residents of states with higher incomes tend to be healthier than residents of states with lower incomes. The median household income in Minnesota is $65,599 a year, well above the national median income of $57,617. Despite higher than typical incomes, only 77.6% of adults in Minnesota eat vegetables every day, roughly in line with the comparable share nationwide. Adults in the state are more likely to incorporate fruit in their daily diet. Some 62.9% of adults in the the state consume fruit each day compared to only 59.8% of adults nationwide.

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17. Rhode Island
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 76.5% (20th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 62.4% (Tied — 15th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 12.6%
> Obesity rate: 26.0% (11th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 12.8% (22nd lowest)

New England states tend to report far healthier dietary habits than is typical. Rhode Island is one exception, however, as two primary aspects of a balanced diet — fruit and vegetable consumption — are somewhat inconsistent. For example, while a larger than typical 62.4% of adults in the state eat fruit every day, only 76.5% of adults eat vegetables at least once daily, a smaller share than the 77.9% of adults nationwide.

18. New York
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 77.6% (24th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 62.6% (14th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 14.0%
> Obesity rate: 25.0% (7th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 14.7% (Tied — 16th highest)

New York is one of the healthiest U.S. states. The adult obesity rate of 25.0% is the seventh lowest of all states and much lower than the national obesity rate of 28.9%. While the percentage of adults consuming vegetables at least one time per day of 77.6% falls just short of the national average share of 77.9%, the percentage of adults including fruit in their diet at least once each day is higher than is typical nationwide. Some 62.6% of adults in New York eat fruit at least once a day, the 14th highest share of any state and well above the national share of 59.8%.

Adults are not the only segment of the population exhibiting healthy habits. Only 14.0% of students in grades nine to 12 opt for a can of soda each day, much less than the national average of 20.4%. Excessive consumption of sugar over time can lead to obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes, and soda is more often than not, chock-full of sugar.

19. Texas
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 80.5% (13th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 57.5% (Tied — 18th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 32.4% (10th highest)
> Poverty rate: 15.6% (12th highest)

Dietary habits among adults in the Lone Star State are mixed. For example, only 57.5% of adults in Texas eat fruit daily, compared to 59.8% of adults nationwide. However, an estimated 80.5% of adults consume vegetables on a daily basis, a larger share than the 77.9% of adults nationwide.

In addition to a balanced diet, regular physical exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight. However, adults in Texas are far less likely to exercise regularly than the typical American adult. Likely partially as a result, the state’s adult obesity rate of 32.4% is greater than the U.S. rate of 28.9%.

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20. Maryland
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.7% (18th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 64.0% (9th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 16.6%
> Obesity rate: 28.9% (20th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 9.7% (3rd lowest)

Wealthier individuals tend to have access to a wider range of healthy options related to diet and exercise. The median household income in Maryland of $78,945 a year is the highest of any state and over $21,000 above the national median income of $57,617. Higher median household income is closely associated with higher educational attainment. In Maryland, 39.3% of adults have a bachelor’s degree, the third highest college attainment rate of all states and above the national rate of 31.3%.

Individuals with more education tend to make better choices when it comes to lifestyle and health. High incomes and high educational attainment rates in Maryland may explain some healthy behaviors. Some 64.0% of adults in the state eat fruit at least once every day, well above the the national share of 59.8% and among the top 10 highest shares of all states. Adults in Maryland are also more likely to consume vegetables every day than those in most other states.

21. Alaska
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 81.1% (10th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 59.0% (23rd lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.8%
> Obesity rate: 29.8% (25th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 9.9% (Tied — 6th lowest)

Low income households are less likely to be able to afford healthy food on a regular basis. In Alaska, the typical household earns $76,440 a year, the second highest median income of any state. Additionally, only 9.9% of the state population lives below the poverty line, well below the 14.0% U.S. poverty rate. Despite widespread financial security, dietary habits among adults in Alaska are mixed. Only 59.0% of Alaskan adults eat fruit daily compared to 59.8% of American adults. However, 81.1% of adults in the state consume vegetables at least once a day, compared to 77.9% of adults nationwide. Alaskan adults are also far more likely to exercise regularly than the typical American adult.

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22. Arizona
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 79.5% (16th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 60.3% (Tied — 24th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 19.5%
> Obesity rate: 28.4% (17th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 16.4% (8th highest)

Some 79.5% of adults in Arizona include vegetables into their diet at least once everyday — the 16th highest share nationwide and above the 77.9% of American adults.The percentage of adults in state consuming fruits at least once per day, at 60.3%, is also slightly above the national share of 59.8%.

Exercise plays an important role in maintaining optimal health, and only 24.7% of the adult population in Arizona does not engage in any physical activity beyond getting up and going to work. In comparison, 25.9% of adults nationwide lead completely sedentary lives.

23. Wisconsin
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 76.0% (19th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 62.1% (17th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 30.7% (19th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.8% (Tied — 18th lowest)

Some 62.1% of adults in Wisconsin eat fruit at least once per day, a larger share than in most states. Regular vegetable consumption, however, is slightly less common than it is nationwide. Only 76.0% of adults in Wisconsin eat vegetables regularly compared to 77.9% of American adults.

Regular fruit and vegetable consumption, while important, is only one component of a healthy diet, and Wisconsin’s obesity rate suggests adults in the state may be more likely to indulge in some other unhealthy dietary behaviors. Some 30.7% of adults in Wisconsin are obese, compared to 28.9% of adults nationwide.

24. Virginia
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.3% (24th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 59.9% (25th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 17.0%
> Obesity rate: 29.2% (22nd lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.0% (Tied — 12th lowest)

Higher median household income can correlate with better health, as high income households have a wider range of healthy options related to diet and lifestyle. The median household income in Virginia of $68,114 a year is the eighth highest of all the states and over $10,000 above the median income nationwide of $57,617. With relatively widespread financial security, some 78.3% of adults eat vegetables at least one time per day, just above the national share at 77.9%.

Even children in Virginia demonstrate healthier habits than children nationwide. Some 17.0% of students in grades nine to 12 drink soda at least one time a day, which is below the national share of 20.4%.

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25. Wyoming
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.5% (21st highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 58.2% (19th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 21.2%
> Obesity rate: 29.0% (21st lowest)
> Poverty rate: 11.3% (Tied — 14th lowest)

Children in Wyoming are more likely to have poorer dietary habits than children nationwide. For example, 21.2% of high schoolers in the state drink soda everyday, a slightly higher share than the 20.4% of high schoolers nationwide. Additionally, high school students in Wyoming are less likely to eat fruit on a daily basis.

Among adults, diets are slightly more mixed. For example, while the share of adults in the state who report eating fruit at least once a day of 58.2% is smaller than the comparable 59.8% U.S. share, regular vegetable consumption is slightly more common. An estimated 78.5% of adults in Wyoming eat vegetables every day compared to 77.9% of adults nationwide.

26. Florida
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.7% (18th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 61.0% (20th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 20.8%
> Obesity rate: 26.8% (16th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 14.7% (Tied — 16th highest)

Adults in Florida do relatively well incorporating vegetables and fruit into their diet at least once a day. An above-average 78.7% of adults in state eat vegetables daily and 61.0% consume fruit daily. Dietary habits among children in the state are slightly worse than average, however.

Some 20.8% of high school students grades nine to 12 drink soda at least once every day, which is slightly above the national average of 20.4%. In addition, only 24.1% of children in this age group regularly exercise the recommended amount, a smaller share than the 27.1% share nationwide.

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27. Pennsylvania
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.8% (18th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 60.7% (Tied — 21st highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.2%
> Obesity rate: 30.0% (24th highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.9% (23rd lowest)

Pennsylvania reports the worst dietary habits of any state in the Northeast. Only 75.8% of adults in Pennsylvania eat vegetables on a daily basis, below the 77.9% share of adults nationwide. Additionally, high school students in the state are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables on a daily basis than the typical American high school student.

One area where the state performs better than average is fruit consumption among adults. Some 60.7% of adults in Pennsylvania eat fruit every day compared to 59.8% of adults nationwide. Improved diets would likely help reduce adult obesity in the state, which at 30.0% is slightly above the 28.9% U.S. adult obesity rate.

28. Illinois
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.7% (17th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 61.5% (19th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.3%
> Obesity rate: 30.8% (18th highest)
> Poverty rate: 13.0% (24th lowest)

Residents of Illinois are more likely than most Americans to have some unhealthy dietary habits. Some 75.7% of adults eat vegetables at least once daily, below the national share of 77.9% of adults. A larger share of adults maintaining a balanced diet may help reduce the state’s obesity rate. Illinois’ adult obesity rate of 30.8% is the 18th highest rate of all states and above the nationwide rate of 28.9%.

29. Nebraska
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.3% (14th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 58.9% (22nd lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 20.4%
> Obesity rate: 31.4% (14th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.4% (15th lowest)

Daily adult fruit and vegetable consumption rates in Nebraska, at 58.9% and 75.3% respectively, are lower than average. Nationwide, 59.8% of American adults consume fruit every day and 77.9% eat vegetables at least once daily.

The relatively poor dietary habits in the state are partly attributable to the disproportionate share of residents who struggle to afford food. Nearly 15% of area households struggle to afford varied diets and often have to resort to federal assistance of food pantries to eat — a larger share than the 13% of American households reporting similarly low food security.

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30. Hawaii
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.6% (20th highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 58.7% (21st lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 13.4%
> Obesity rate: 22.7% (2nd lowest)
> Poverty rate: 9.3% (2nd lowest)

Dietary habits are mixed for both adults and children in Hawaii. For example, while the share of adults in the state who report eating fruit at least once a day of 58.7% is smaller than the comparable 59.8% U.S. share, regular vegetable consumption is slightly more common. An estimated 78.6% of adults in Hawaii eat vegetables every day compared to 77.9% of adults nationwide.

Similarly, while high school age children in the state are less likely than most to consume fruit on a daily basis, they do a good job limiting some healthy behavior. Only 13.4% of high school students consume a soft drink at least once a day — well below the national rate of 20.4%.

31. North Dakota
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 72.5% (5th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 59.5% (24th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.7%
> Obesity rate: 31.0% (17th highest)
> Poverty rate: 10.7% (10th lowest)

Financially secure households can afford a wider range of options related to a healthy diet. In North Dakota, only 10.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, well below the U.S. poverty rate of 14.0%. Partially as a result, only 8.8% of households in North Dakota report struggling to afford a varied diet or any food at all at some point during a given year — well below the 13.0% share of American households who are food insecure.

Despite widespread ability to afford healthy food, fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in North Dakota is relatively low. Only 59.5% of adults eat fruit every day, and only 72.5% eat vegetables on a daily basis — lower than the comparable 59.8% and 77.9% rates nationwide.

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32. Michigan
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.3% (14th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 60.3% (Tied — 24th highest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 18.9%
> Obesity rate: 31.2% (16th highest)
> Poverty rate: 15.0% (15th lowest)

Some 14.3% of households in Michigan are food insecure, meaning they struggle to afford varied diets or any food at all at some point during the year. This is above the nationwide share of 13.0% of households that are food insecure. The relative lack of food security in the state likely contributes to the below average adult vegetable consumption. Only 75.3% of adults in Michigan eat vegetables at least once daily, the 14th lowest share of all states and below the national share of 77.9%.

33. Kansas
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 77.7% (25th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 56.3% (12th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 34.2% (7th highest)
> Poverty rate: 12.1% (20th lowest)

A healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy weight, and in Kansas, 34.2% of adults are obese, well above the 28.9% U.S. adult obesity rate. Perhaps not surprisingly, a large share of adults in Kansas do not have especially healthy eating habits. Only 77.7% of adults eat vegetables daily, and 56.3% consume fruit every day — below the 77.9% and 59.8% U.S. values, respectively.

Regular exercise can also reduce the likelihood of obesity, and adults in Kansas are slightly less likely to lead physically active lives than most American adults.

34. New Mexico
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.5% (21st highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 56.9% (14th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 21.0%
> Obesity rate: 28.8% (19th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 19.8% (3rd highest)

Lower-income individuals often cannot afford a wide range of healthy options related to diet. In New Mexico, the median household income of $46,748 a year is about $11,000 below the national median income of $57,617 and the seventh lowest among states. Additionally, New Mexico’s 19.8% poverty rate is third highest among states.

Low income is one of the factors that contribute to food insecurity, or limited access to healthy food options. An alarming 17.6% of households in New Mexico are food insecure, well above the national share of 13.0% of households that are food insecure. Due in part to limited access, adults in New Mexico are less likely than than the typical American adult to eat fruit every day and high schoolers in the state are less likely than those nationwide to eat fruits or vegetables regularly.

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35. Indiana
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 73.3% (7th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 57.1% (Tied — 16th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 20.0%
> Obesity rate: 31.3% (15th highest)
> Poverty rate: 14.1% (21st highest)

A well balanced diet can contribute to living a long, healthy life. In Indiana, only 73.3% of adults eat vegetables at least once daily, one of the smallest such shares of any state. An even smaller 57.1% share of adults manage to work fruit into their diet on a daily basis, well below the comparable 59.8% share of adults nationwide.

The relatively large share of adults not consuming enough healthy food may partially explain why premature death is more common in Indiana than across the United States as a whole. For every 100,000 state residents, there are 387 deaths before age 75, compared to a national premature death rate of 333 per 100,000.

36. North Carolina
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 78.4% (23rd highest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 56.7% (13th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 26.8%
> Obesity rate: 30.1% (22nd highest)
> Poverty rate: 15.4% (13th highest)

The national adult obesity rate is 28.9%, and in North Carolina 30.1% of adults are obese — one of the higher obesity rates among states. Perhaps contributing to the state’s relatively high obesity rate is the low share of adults eating diets that incorporate healthier options. Only 56.7% of adults eat fruit at least once a day, below the national share of 59.8%.

High school students in the state also exhibit unhealthy dietary habits. Some 26.8% of students in grades nine to 12 drink soda at least once a day, well above the national share of 20.4%. High schoolers in North Carolina are also less likely to regularly eat fruits and vegetables than the typical American high school student.

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37. Ohio
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.3% (14th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 57.1% (Tied –16th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 29.8% (25th lowest)
> Poverty rate: 14.6% (18th highest)

Americans who struggle to afford to put food on the table are often less likely to have healthy diets because unhealthy, calorie-dense food is often far less expensive than low calorie, nutrient rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. In Ohio, nearly 15% of households have low or very low food security, meaning they often do not have money for food or have to rely on federal assistance or food pantries. Nationwide, only about 13% of families are similarly food insecure.

Financial constraints may partially explain why adults in Ohio are less likely than most American adults to eat a balanced diet. Only 75.3% of adults in Ohio eat vegetables every day, and only 57.1% consume fruit daily — compared to 77.9% and 59.8% of adults nationwide, respectively.

38. Missouri
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 76.7% (21st lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 55.6% (11th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 21.1%
> Obesity rate: 32.4% (10th highest)
> Poverty rate: 14.0% (22nd highest)

Missouri is among the states with the worst dietary habits. Some 76.7% of adults eat vegetables at least once daily, and only 55.6% of adults eat fruit at least once a day — both below the national figures of 77.9% and 59.8%, respectively. Poor dietary habits in the state are further evidenced by a high obesity rate. The adult obesity rate in Missouri of 32.4% is the tenth highest among states and well above the 28.9% adult obesity rate nationwide.

Obesity can lead to a handful of chronic diseases, including certain cancers and diabetes, which may ultimately lead to premature death. There are 386 deaths before the age of 75 per every 100,000 state residents, well above the national premature death rate of 333 per 100,000.

39. South Dakota
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 73.9% (9th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 57.5% (Tied — 18th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 23.2%
> Obesity rate: 30.4% (21st highest)
> Poverty rate: 13.3% (Tied — 24 highest)

South Dakota residents of all ages are less likely to have a balanced diet than the typical American. For example, 44.8% of high school students do not eat fruit daily, and 40.8% do not eat vegetables daily, more than the comparable 36.7% and 39.0% nationwide shares.

Eating habits among adults in the state are slightly better, but still lagging behind adults in the majority of states nationwide. Fewer than 3 in every 4 adults in South Dakota eat vegetables at least once daily compared to 77.9% of adults nationwide. Additionally, only 57.5% of adults eat fruit daily compared to 59.8% of adults nationwide. Healthy eating habits can help maintain a healthy weight, and in South Dakota, 30.4% of adults are obese compared to the 28.9% adult obesity rate nationwide.

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40. Iowa
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 73.1% (6th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 58.3% (20th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 32.1% (12th highest)
> Poverty rate: 11.8% (Tied — 18th lowest)

Some 73.1% of adults in Iowa eat vegetables at least once daily, the sixth lowest share of all the states and well below the national figure of 77.9%. In addition to a balanced diet, regular exercise can help individuals maintain a healthy weight. Some 26.3% of adults in the state never engage in physical activity, a slightly larger share than the national inactivity rate of 25.9%. Such unhealthy lifestyles likely contribute to a higher than average obesity rate. In Iowa, 32.1% of adults are obese, well above the national rate of 28.9%.

41. Georgia
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.3% (14th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 55.2% (10th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 30.7% (19th highest)
> Poverty rate: 16.0% (10th highest)

All of the 10 lowest ranking states on this list are located in the South, and Georgia is one of them. Only 75.3% of adults in the state eat vegetables once a day, and 55.2% eat fruit daily — each a smaller share than the national averages.

Having a balanced diet can contribute to living an overall healthy life. Adults in Georgia also report feeling in poorer health than adults nationwide. Some 17.5% of adults in the state report being in fair or poor health — well above the national share of 15.0%.

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42. Tennessee
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 77.4% (22nd lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 54.8% (9th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 29.0%
> Obesity rate: 33.8% (9th highest)
> Poverty rate: 15.8% (11th highest)

Eating a well-balanced diet with ample servings of fruits and vegetables can result in better overall health. In Tennessee, 77.4% of adults eat vegetables daily and 54.8% eat fruit daily — below the respective national figures. Tennessee adults also report feeling in poorer health than adults nationwide. Nearly 1 in 4 adults in the state reports being in fair or poor health — well above the national share of 15.0%.

Relatively poor diets may be attributable to a lack of access. Lower income households may have greater difficulty affording a wide range healthy options related to diet, and Tennessee is a relatively poor state. The median household income in Tennessee of $48,547 a year is far lower than the national median income of $57,617.

43. Oklahoma
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.5% (16th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 48.9% (2nd lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 29.4%
> Obesity rate: 33.9% (8th highest)
> Poverty rate: 16.3% (9th highest)

Low income households are less likely to be able to consistently afford healthy diets and are often forced by circumstance to opt for inexpensive, unhealthy, calorie-dense foods. In Oklahoma, 16.3% of the population lives below the poverty line — well above the 14.0% U.S. poverty rate.

The state’s high poverty rate may partially explain why Oklahoma is one of three states where fewer than half of all adults eat fruit on a daily basis. State residents of high school age are also less likely to eat fruits and vegetables regularly, and are more likely to drink soda on a daily basis than the typical American high schooler.

44. Kentucky
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 75.4% (15th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 53.1% (8th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 32.4%
> Obesity rate: 34.6% (5th highest)
> Poverty rate: 18.5% (4th highest)

About 13% of households nationwide are food insecure, meaning they struggle to afford varied diets or food in general at some point during the year. In Kentucky, the percentage is much greater at about 17.3% of households. The state’s high food insecurity rate may partially explain why relatively few adults in the state regularly report a balanced diet. Only 75.4% of state adults eat vegetables daily and only 53.1% consume fruit regularly, below the 77.9% and 59.8% share of adults nationwide.

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45. West Virginia
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 73.5% (8th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 50.1% (4th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 30.1%
> Obesity rate: 35.6% (2nd highest)
> Poverty rate: 17.9% (5th highest)

Low income households have fewer options related to healthy diets, and West Virginia is one of the poorest states in the country. Some 17.9% of state residents live below the poverty line, a larger share than in all but four other states.

The large share of residents facing serious financial hardship partially explains why relatively few adults in the state spend money on fruits and vegetables — which, on a per calorie level, are far more expensive than other less healthy food options. Only 73.5% of adults in the state eat vegetables daily, and only 50.1% consume fruit — the eighth and fourth lowest shares of any state, respectively.

46. Arkansas
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 71.9% (3rd lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 50.4% (5th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 29.3%
> Obesity rate: 34.5% (6th highest)
> Poverty rate: 17.2% (6th highest)

Only 71.9% of adults in Arkansas incorporate vegetables into their diet at least once daily, the third lowest share of all states and well below the national share of 77.9%. Only half of the state’s population consumes fruit on a daily basis, well below the nationwide figure of 59.8%.

Poor dietary habits appear to begin at a young age. Some 29.3% of high school students drink soda at least once a day, one of the larger shares in the nation and well above the national rate of 20.4%. Additionally, 47.9% of high school students in Arkansas fail to eat fruit and 45.5% fail to eat vegetables everyday, both of which top the national figures of 36.7% and 39.0%, respectively.

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47. South Carolina
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 74.6% (10th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 52.9% (7th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 26.7%
> Obesity rate: 31.7% (13th highest)
> Poverty rate: 15.3% (14th highest)

Fewer than 3 in every 4 adults in South Carolina eat vegetables every day, and only 52.9% eat fruit daily — each among the smallest shares of any state. Poor eating habits appear to start early in South Carolina. Over half of all high schoolers in the state do not eat fruit every day, and a similar share do not eat vegetables, each well above the comparable national rates.

A balanced diet can contribute to a long, healthy life. In South Carolina, however, 405 residents die prematurely before age 75 for every 100,000 people — well above the premature death rate nationwide of 333 per 100,000.

48. Alabama
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 72.2% (4th lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 51.7% (6th lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 28.2%
> Obesity rate: 35.6% (2nd highest)
> Poverty rate: 17.1% (7th highest)

Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate in the nation at more than one-third of the adult population. Eating a well-balanced diet is one of few factors that can help prevent obesity, but only 72.2% of adults in the state eat vegetables at least once a day, and 51.7% eat fruit at least once a day — both well below the respective national figures of 77.9% and 59.8%.

High obesity rates and lower consumption of fruits and vegetables may be due in part to a lack of access. In Alabama, an overwhelming 18.1% of households are food insecure, meaning they struggle to regularly afford a varied diet or any food at all, well above the 13.0% food insecurity rate nationwide.

49. Mississippi
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 68.8% (the lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 48.8% (the lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day 29.4%
> Obesity rate: 35.6% (2nd highest)
> Poverty rate: 20.8% (the highest)

No state in the country is home to an adult population with poorer dietary habits than Mississippi. Only 68.8% of adults in the state eat vegetables daily, and only 48.8% consume fruit every day, each the smallest share of any state.

The poor dietary habits are partially attributable to a lack of access. On a per calorie basis, healthy food can be expensive, and more than 1 in 5 Mississippi residents live below the poverty line, the largest share of any state. Poor diets appear to be taking a toll on the population. An estimated 35.6% of adults in Mississippi are obese, the second highest obesity rate of any state.

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50. Louisiana
> Adults eating vegetables at least once a day: 69.0% (2nd lowest)
> Adults eating fruit at least once a day: 49.6% (3rd lowest)
> Students who drink soda/pop at least once a day N/A
> Obesity rate: 36.2% (the highest)
> Poverty rate: 20.2% (2nd highest)

The state with the worst diet in the nation is Louisiana. Only 69.0% of adults report eating vegetables at least once daily, and some 49.6% report eating fruit at least once each day. Both shares are well below the national shares of 77.9% and 59.8%, respectively. Poor eating habits have likely contributed to the state’s nation-leading obesity rate of 36.2%.

Healthy food can be relatively expensive, and low incomes combined with a high poverty rate in Louisiana make it incredibly challenging for some residents to maintain a healthy diet. The state’s median household income of $45,146 a year is about $12,500 below the national median income of $57,617. Additionally, just over 1 in 5 state residents live in poverty, the second highest share nationwide.

Detailed Findings & Methodology

Eating a well-balanced diet with ample servings of fruits and vegetables can result in better overall health. Indeed, states with the largest shares of residents reporting balanced diets tend to have a lower prevalence of adult obesity. Of the 25 states with the highest share of adults and adolescents eating fruits and vegetables at least once daily, the adult obesity rate exceeds the national rate of 28.9% in only eight.

Conversely, the states with the poorest diets tend to have much higher obesity rates. The adult obesity rate in 22 of the 25 states with the least healthy dietary habits — as measured by regular fruit and vegetable consumption — topped the national obesity rate of 28.9%.

Obesity is only one, relatively specific health outcome related to diet. In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Kate Konkle, associate researcher with County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program, explained that broadly speaking health outcomes should be thought of in terms of both length and quality of life. “What you’re putting in your body impacts both of those things,” Konkle said.

Perhaps not surprisingly, states with large shares of residents reporting healthy dietary habits tend to report better health outcomes overall. Each of the 10 states with the highest fruit and vegetable consumption rates have a lower premature death rate than the U.S. rate of 333 deaths before age 75 per 100,000 residents. Additionally, eight of the 10 states with the best diets are home to a smaller share of adults who report being in sub-optimal health than the 15.0% national average.

Several factors can help explain dietary habits across broad populations. First and foremost, healthy, well balanced diets can be prohibitively expensive for many Americans. “If you’re spending a lot of money on rent, you might not have enough money left over to buy the fruits and vegetables,” Konkle said.

Perhaps not surprisingly, states with the healthiest diets tend to be higher earning. Of the 10 states ranking highest on this list, eight have a higher median household income than the $57,617 the typical American household earns. Similarly, each of the 10 states with the worst dietary habits have a lower than typical median household income.

The importance of income to maintaining a healthy diet is highlighted by the food insecurity rate — or the share of households that struggled to afford varied diets or food in general in the last year. About 13.0% of American households were considered food insecure in between 2014 and 2016, as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. All 10 states with the worst diets have a higher food insecurity rate than the U.S. as a whole.

A large share of residents reporting daily fruit and vegetable consumption does not necessarily mean a population has healthy diets overall. Not only does fruit and vegetable consumption not account for potential over-consumption of sweets and fatty foods, but even fruits and vegetables can be unhealthy — depending on how they are prepared. “You can certainly take a healthy food and make it unhealthy pretty quickly if you fry it or put a lot of butter or cheese on it,” Konkle said.

Still, relatively widespread healthy eating habits can be indicative of an overly health conscious population. For many, maintaining a balanced diet is only one piece of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise is another. Adults are more likely to engage in physical activity in their free time in nine of the 10 states with the best diets. Meanwhile, in each of the 10 states where adults are least likely to report a balanced diet, adults are less likely to report a physically active lifestyle.

To identify the states with the best and worst diets, 24/7 Wall St. created an index from the Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity – Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System databases for adults and youth between ninth and 12th grade from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2016 (adults) and 2015 (youth), the most recent data available. Index values include the percentage of adults and youth who consume fruit and vegetables at least once daily, and the percentage of youth who drink regular soda / pop at least once daily. For those states that were missing one or more index values, the data that was available was weighed heavier in the calculation of the composite index. Median household income, poverty, the uninsured population, and bachelor’s degree attainment rates came from the U.S Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) and are for 2016. Obesity rate, percent of adults reporting fair or poor health, and the premature age-adjusted mortality rate per 100,000 people for each state came from the the 2017 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint program. Percent of the population with low or very low food security came from the USDA State-Level Prevalence of Food Insecurity for 2014-2016.

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