The Trump administration has released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, marking a significant shift in federal nutrition policy toward whole, minimally processed foods and away from decades of guidance that emphasized low-fat and heavily processed alternatives.
The updated guidelines, issued jointly by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, promote diets centered on nutrient-dense proteins, full-fat dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains, while explicitly discouraging consumption of highly processed foods, added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and artificial additives.
“This edition is built around a simple principle: eat real food,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, in a statement accompanying the release.
Shift Away From Processed Foods
According to the administration’s Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines, highly processed foods now account for roughly two-thirds of calories consumed in the United States and are strongly associated with rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions.
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The guidelines advise Americans to avoid “highly processed packaged, prepared, or ready-to-eat foods that are salty or sweet,” including chips, cookies, candy, sugar-sweetened beverages, and energy drinks. Artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, preservatives, and non-nutritive sweeteners are also discouraged.
While acknowledging that naturally occurring sugars in foods like fruit and milk are not considered added sugars, the guidance states that no amount of added sugar or artificial sweetener is recommended as part of a healthy diet, with a practical limit of no more than 10 grams of added sugar in a single meal.
Protein and Full-Fat Dairy Re-Emphasized
One of the most notable changes is the emphasis on higher protein intake based on body weight rather than fixed calorie percentages.
The guidelines recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, drawing on evidence from randomized controlled trials showing improved body composition, preservation of lean mass, and metabolic health at those intake levels. Both animal and plant protein sources are encouraged, including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and soy.
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Full-fat dairy products with no added sugars are also endorsed, with a recommended three servings per day for a 2,000-calorie diet. The Scientific Foundation notes a lack of strong evidence that whole-fat dairy increases cardiovascular risk and cites concerns that decades of low-fat guidance encouraged more heavily processed dairy products containing added sugars and stabilizers.
Carbohydrates, Fats, and Alcohol
The guidelines draw a clear distinction between whole and refined carbohydrates. Americans are urged to prioritize fiber-rich whole grains and significantly reduce refined carbohydrates such as white bread, packaged breakfast foods, flour tortillas, and crackers. Recommended whole-grain intake ranges from two to four servings per day, depending on calorie needs.
Healthy fats are described as naturally present in whole foods such as meats, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and dairy. Olive oil is recommended for cooking and added fats, with butter and beef tallow identified as acceptable options in moderation. Saturated fat intake should generally remain below 10% of daily calories, primarily by reducing processed food consumption rather than eliminating whole foods.
Alcohol guidance emphasizes “less alcohol for better health,” with complete avoidance recommended for pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions.
Guidance for Children, Families, and Special Populations
The updated guidelines include detailed recommendations for infants, children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, and individuals with chronic disease.
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Breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first six months of life, with continuation for two years or longer when possible. Added sugars are discouraged throughout early childhood, and full-fat dairy is recommended for children to support growth and brain development.
Vegetarian and vegan diets are addressed with caution, noting frequent nutrient gaps in vitamins B12 and D, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, and protein, and recommending careful monitoring and targeted supplementation when necessary.
Mixed Response From Health Groups
The American Heart Association welcomed the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and reduced sugar intake but raised concerns about recommendations related to red meat, salt use, and full-fat dairy, urging continued research and caution regarding cardiovascular risk.
Administration officials said the guidelines are intended to serve as the scientific foundation for federal nutrition programs, including school meals, WIC, SNAP, military nutrition, and public health initiatives.
The full guidelines and supporting scientific materials are available at realfood.gov.