Eat Real Food: New Dietary Guidelines Reset U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at the Center of Health

Prioritizing Protein, Avoiding Processed Foods and Added Sugar Among Latest Guidelines

In January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, marking the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. The new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the American people: eat real food.

According to a joint HHS/USDA press release, the U.S. faces a national health emergency. Nearly 90% of health care spending goes toward treating chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly 1 in 3 adolescents has prediabetes.

“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

“[T]his edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”

The 2025–2030 Guidelines reestablish food as the foundation of health and reclaim the food pyramid as a tool for nourishment and education. The Guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science:

Prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense protein at every meal
Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars
Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms
Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates
Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives
Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level
Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration
Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health

The Guidelines also provide tailored recommendations for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians and vegans, ensuring nutritional adequacy across every stage of life.

More Information

Sources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / U.S. Department of Agriculture Joint Press Release, “Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health,” January 7, 2026

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Fact Sheet, “Trump Administration Resets U.S. Nutrition Policy, Puts Real Food Back at the Center of Health,” January 7, 2026

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030

Prioritizing Protein, Avoiding Processed Foods and Added Sugar Among Latest Guidelines

In January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, marking the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. The new Guidelines deliver a clear, common-sense message to the American people: eat real food.

According to a joint HHS/USDA press release, the U.S. faces a national health emergency. Nearly 90% of health care spending goes toward treating chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly 1 in 3 adolescents has prediabetes.

“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

“[T]his edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”

The 2025–2030 Guidelines reestablish food as the foundation of health and reclaim the food pyramid as a tool for nourishment and education. The Guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science:

Prioritize high-quality, nutrient-dense protein at every meal
Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars
Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms
Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates
Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives
Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level
Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration
Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health

The Guidelines also provide tailored recommendations for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians and vegans, ensuring nutritional adequacy across every stage of life.

More Information

Sources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services / U.S. Department of Agriculture Joint Press Release, “Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health,” January 7, 2026

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Fact Sheet, “Trump Administration Resets U.S. Nutrition Policy, Puts Real Food Back at the Center of Health,” January 7, 2026

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030