Dietary patterns and food security is considered in four ways: Healthy Eating Index (HEI), food category consumption patterns, energy/macronutrient contributions of food categories, and sub‐category caloric intake accounting for consumption patterns. 2005–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were grouped by What We Eat in America food sub‐categories. Of the 20,363 adults, 14,592 were high (71.7%), 2,125 marginal (10.4%), 2,317 low (11.4%), and 1,329 very low food secure (6.5%). High food secure adults have higher HEI in total and each sub‐measure (including refined grains and empty calories). Consumption frequency in most food categories declines with food insecurity. As food insecurity deepens so more energy and carbohydrates are attributable to nonalcoholic beverages. Evidence of the negative dietary impact of sweetened beverages in particular for food insecure adults is presented. Very few differences in dietary patterns emerge, suggesting broad societal level policy combined with targeted sub‐category and nutrition education initiatives.