The U.S. government has updated its Dietary Guidelines for Americans for the 2025-2030 period. Released on January 7, 2026, this edition emphasizes increased protein intake, whole milk, and a reduction in ultraprocessed foods.
The Dietary Guidelines have been central to U.S. nutrition policy since their inception. They inform various governmental nutritional programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school lunch programs. These guidelines are often referenced by elder and childcare centers as well as clinical nutritionists helping patients.
Key Changes in the New Guidelines
The latest recommendations align in many ways with those from 2020 but introduce several new aspects. The focus on protein sources has shifted significantly, now recommending:
- Increased protein intake of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, up from 0.8 grams.
- Emphasis on including a variety of protein types in every meal.
- Recommendation for full-fat dairy products instead of low-fat options.
The guidelines continue to advocate for three servings of vegetables, two servings of fruit, and three servings of dairy per day, while encouraging the switch from refined grains to whole grains. There remains a limit on sugar and sodium intake as well.
Focus on Ultraprocessed Foods
One significant addition is the explicit call to reduce ultraprocessed foods. Previous versions merely advised consuming nutrient-dense foods. By naming ultraprocessed foods directly, the guidelines now indicate the importance of distinguishing between processed and whole foods.
How Are Dietary Guidelines Developed?
The development process involves a scientific advisory committee assembled by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). This committee spends two years reviewing scientific literature to create evidence-based recommendations.
Public input is invited at various stages, allowing for community and expert feedback. However, the recently released guidelines diverged from the traditional methodology. The resulting report was not solely based on the established advisory committee’s findings.
Concerns About Scientific Integrity
There are concerns regarding the scientific rigor associated with the newest guidelines. Some experts speculate that the processes used in creating these guidelines may have lacked transparency, potentially affecting the overall credibility.
Although some of the new recommendations appear beneficial, such as limiting ultraprocessed foods, the validity of underlying scientific evidence remains in question. If proper evaluation processes are not followed, it increases the risk of bias influencing the guidelines.
Conclusion
The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have made significant strides in emphasizing protein and whole milk consumption while addressing the risks of ultraprocessed foods. However, the shift in development processes raises concerns about the reliability and credibility of the scientific evidence used in forming these recommendations.
