Federal officials say a major shift in national nutrition policy is underway with the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, unveiled this week by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
The updated guidelines are being described as the most significant reset of federal nutrition advice in decades, emphasizing a straightforward message: eat real food. Officials point to a growing health crisis in the U.S., where nearly 90% of health care spending is tied to chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of American adults are overweight or obese, and nearly one in three adolescents has prediabetes. Diet-related health issues are also affecting military readiness, with many young Americans now disqualified from service.
“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” Secretary Kennedy 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.”
Secretary Rollins said the new guidelines represent a broader realignment of the nation’s food system, connecting public health goals with American agriculture.
“Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this 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,” 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.”
According to federal officials, the 2025–2030 guidelines aim to restore scientific integrity and common-sense principles to nutrition guidance, placing food—not pharmaceuticals—at the center of health. The updated framework also reintroduces the food pyramid as an educational tool focused on nourishment, prevention and long-term wellness.
The Guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science:
- Prioritize 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.
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