The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on , marking what officials are calling the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. The updated guidelines emphasize a return to “real food” – prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods like protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains – and a dramatic reduction in highly processed foods.
These guidelines, which shape nutrition policy in the U.S. And abroad, are the foundation for governmental nutritional programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school lunches. They also influence meal planning in eldercare and childcare centers, and are used by clinical nutritionists working with patients.
A Shift in Focus: Diet Quality Over Individual Nutrients
For the past half-century, dietary advice has largely focused on general dietary patterns and targets for individual nutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrate. The new guidelines, however, represent a paradigm shift, emphasizing overall diet quality. In other words focusing on the types of foods consumed rather than strictly adhering to specific nutrient ratios.
The 2025-2030 guidelines are also notably shorter – nine pages compared to 400 in previous versions – and offer simpler advice directly to the public, rather than being primarily directed at policymakers and nutrition experts.
What the Evidence Shows: Processed Foods, Sugary Drinks, and Whole Grains
The updated recommendations are rooted in a growing body of evidence linking highly processed foods and sugary drinks to chronic diseases. Research indicates that individuals who consume higher amounts of processed foods have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and death from any cause. Similarly, increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest a link between fruit juice consumption and childhood obesity.
Conversely, evidence consistently demonstrates the health benefits of whole grains. Individuals who eat more whole grains have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death from any cause. Increased dietary fiber intake, abundant in whole grains, is also associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and overall mortality.
Key Recommendations: Small Changes, Significant Impact
According to the scientific assessment informing the guidelines, even small dietary changes can significantly lower chronic disease risks. Reducing calorie intake from highly processed foods by just 10% could lower the risk of diabetes by 14% and heart disease by 4%. Similarly, eliminating just one sugary beverage per day could reduce the risk of diabetes by 26% and heart disease by 14%. Adding a single serving of whole grains daily is associated with an 18% lower risk of diabetes and a 13% lower risk of death from all causes.
These changes can be achieved through simple swaps, such as choosing plain yogurt over flavored varieties, flavoring sparkling water with citrus instead of sugary sodas, or opting for whole-grain bread over processed white bread. “Kitchen processing” – taking basic food preparation back into the home – is also encouraged, allowing individuals to control ingredients and avoid additives found in highly processed foods.
Controversies and Considerations
While the emphasis on whole foods and reduced processed food intake is largely supported by scientific evidence, the new guidelines have faced some criticism. Some experts have questioned specific aspects of the guidelines, including how the current administration developed them and how they address saturated fat, beef, dairy, protein, and alcohol intake. However, officials emphasize that the core message remains clear: prioritize real, whole foods and minimize consumption of highly processed products.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Stated, “These Guidelines return us to the basics. 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.”
The new guidelines aim to address a national health emergency, with nearly 90% of health care spending going toward treating chronic diseases linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly 1 in 3 adolescents has prediabetes. Diet-driven chronic disease is also impacting national readiness, as it disqualifies many young Americans from military service.
