The government has released its new 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, marking a major shift in nutrition policy aimed at improving public health and reducing chronic disease. The guidelines, issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), form the basis for federal nutrition programs, school meals, and health messaging.
The guidance emphasizes “real food.” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. encouraged Americans to prioritize whole, minimally processed foods while cutting added sugars, refined carbs, and ultra-processed products like chips, candies, and sugary drinks. Added sugar intake should not exceed 10 grams per meal.
A notable change is the endorsement of foods previously limited. Full-fat dairy, red meat, and other high-protein foods are now highlighted. An inverted food pyramid accompanying the guidelines places meats, dairy, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits at the widest levels, while whole grains are less emphasized than before. Daily protein intake recommendations have increased to 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight.
The guidelines also relax traditional limits on saturated fats and alcohol. While moderation is still advised, natural fats like butter and beef tallow are permitted alongside oils rich in essential fatty acids, such as olive oil. Specific daily alcohol limits have been replaced with a general recommendation to “consume less alcohol” for better health.
Health experts have offered mixed reactions. Many welcome the focus on whole foods and cutting processed foods, while some caution that the elevated role of red meat and full-fat dairy may conflict with long-standing research linking saturated fats to heart risk. The administration frames the changes as a historic reset intended to simplify dietary advice and help Americans adopt healthier eating patterns.
The new guidelines represent one of the most significant revisions in years and are expected to influence nutrition messaging, school programs, and federal food policies for the next five years.
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