NHANES 2021-2023: What You Need to Know
28 Jan 2026
Did you know that the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2021-2023 dataset has officially been released, marking the first complete release since the COVID-19 pandemic began?
The latest survey includes:
- Revised survey methodology to accommodate the realities of the pandemic;
- New foods and beverages to better reflect the evolving American diet; and
- Updated food code descriptions and groupings to improve data validity.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about NHANES 2021-2023.
Survey Methodology: What Changed?
The NHANES 2021-2023 survey accommodated public health challenges related to COVID-19, ensuring participant safety during data collection. Key updates included:
- Reduced in-person contact through the use of web-based questionnaires and mail invitations.
- Multi-node screening, allowing participants to respond online, by mail, or phone before any in‑person follow-up.
- Updated questionnaires and examination procedures to improve data validity, enhance data quality, and ensure the survey remained representative while accommodating public health restrictions.
Foods and Beverages: What’s Included Now?
The food and beverage categories in NHANES 2021-2023 were expanded to include products reflective of the American diet, including:
- Plant-based innovations: Meat substitutes and alternative protein beverages;
- Global flavors: Burrito bowls, ramen bowls, and bubble tea;
- Functional beverages: Kombucha;
- Expanded categories: Additional infant formulas, new cuts of meat, and refined baby food stages; and
- Sweet indulgences: New variations of cakes, cupcakes, and confectionery.
These additions reflect Americans’ preferences toward convenience, global cuisine, and health-conscious choices. Data included for these foods and beverages are useful to food manufacturers, giving them the opportunity to align product portfolios with emerging market trends.
Food Code Descriptions and Groupings: Why the Changes?
The 2021-2023 NHANES dataset includes 5,431 food codes, while the previous dataset (2017‑2018 NHANES) included 7,083 codes. The food code list is much shorter, with many foods now combined together. For example, there are fewer food codes for soups, as they are now grouped in broader categories. Similarly, descriptions for ready-to-eat breakfast cereals have been revised to cover a broader range of items and are no longer product-specific. Why does this matter? The updated food code descriptions and groupings increase statistical reliability by combining smaller, brand-specific codes into larger, more representative food groups, enabling more robust analysis while maintaining meaningful insights.
Intertek Is Here to Help!
Have questions about the NHANES 2021-2023 updates or other aspects of the NHANES database? Visit our webpage at Dietary Exposure Assessments Services and send us a message. We look forward to working with you!
