Food Group Examples

While a food pyramid is helpful for students to understand how much of a certain food group they should eat, it's a good idea to start them off with understanding what is in each food group. In this activity, students will create a chart that contains examples of the five different food groups: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, and dairy.

Vegetables can be split up into five subgroups: dark green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas, and other vegetables. Food in the vegetable group can be cooked or eaten raw.

Fruit is a key part to a healthy diet. Fruits are often high in vitamins and minerals. Fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, canned, frozen, pureed, or even as fruit juice. There are a range of different fruits available from all over the world. Examples of fruit are berries, apples, and 100% orange juice.

Grains can be split up into two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. It is recommended that half the grains that are consumed are whole grains. Examples of whole grains are whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, and brown rice. Examples of refined grains are white flour, white bread, and white rice.

Protein can come from both plant and animal sources. Examples are meat, fish, soybean products, nuts, and lentils.

Dairy is all liquid milk and foods made from milk. Examples of dairy are cheese, yogurt, and milk. Many dairy foods are good sources of calcium, which is a mineral needed to produce healthy bones.

For students that need more support, cut up the example storyboard and have students match the examples to the categories. To stretch your more advanced students, have them find examples of some of the subgroups listed above. This activity can also be completed as an entire classroom, with students suggesting foods and determining where they go.