Serving Equivalents
Some foods fit into more than one group. Dry beans, peas, and lentils can be counted as servings in either the meat and beans group or vegetable group. These "cross over" foods can be counted as servings from either one or the other group, but not b oth. Serving sizes indicated here are those used in the Food Guide Pyramid and based on both suggested and usually consumed portions necessary to achieve adequate nutrient intake. They differ from serving sizes on the Nutrition Facts Label, which reflect portions usually consumed.
© 1995: USDA
Grain Products Group (bread, cereal, rice, and pasta)
  • 1 slice of bread
  • 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal
  • 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta
Vegetable Group
  • 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables
  • 1/2 cup of other vegetables -- cooked or chopped raw
  • 3/4 cup of vegetable juice
Fruit Group
  • 1 medium apple, banana, orange
  • 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit
  • 3/4 cup of fruit juice
Milk Group (milk, yogurt, and cheese)
  • 1 cup of milk or yogurt
  • 1-1/2 ounces of natural cheese
  • 2 ounces of processed cheese
Meat and Beans Group (meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, and nuts)
  • 2-3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish
  • 1/2 cup of cooked dry beans
  • 1 egg
  • Two tablespoons of peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup of nuts
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