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The US government has released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans that mark a dramatic reset in nutrition policy, prioritising whole, minimally processed foods and ‘declaring war’ on sugar.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, was released on Wednesday (7 January) and has been framed as the most significant overhaul of dietary advice in decades.

The new recommendations encourage prioritising high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, something that echoes the wider policy of Robert F Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again programme.

The guidelines move away from ultra-processed foods and toward what federal officials repeatedly describe as ‘real food’. The core message is: prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains, while reducing foods high in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, sodium, artificial additives and non-nutritive sweeteners.

The guidelines have drawn both praise and criticism from across the nation, including food and beverage producers.

Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association, said: "ASA appreciates that the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans acknowledge the importance of soy as part of a well-balanced diet, but we remain deeply concerned by the rhetoric and selectively cited studies regarding the health and safety of soybean oil in DGA supporting material".

He continued: "We look forward to continuing our work with the administration as we educate MAHA Commission leadership on the health benefits of soy-based foods and soybean oil”.

Sam Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers, agreed: “NAWG supports the Trump administration’s efforts to improve health outcomes in our nation while standing with American farmers. We appreciate the continued recognition of whole grains as an essential part of Americans’ diets."

He added: "However, we are concerned that some portions of the new guidelines around grains and wheat are unintentionally confusing. Wheat, wheat flour and foods made from wheat have been nutrient-rich, life-sustaining staples for tens of thousands of years and deserve clear, continued support as a central part of our nation’s diet. We look forward to working with Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy to ensure nutritious, affordable grains remain accessible to all Americans."

One of the most notable – and perhaps controversial – shifts in the guidelines is the strong emphasis on protein, including animal-sourced foods, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, seafood and full-fat dairy. The guidelines recommend protein intake of 1.2g-1.6g per kg of body weight per day, levels that exceed prior federal messaging and align more closely with performance and satiety-focused nutrition trends.

Dairy guidance also breaks with past low-fat preferences, encouraging full-fat dairy products, with no added sugars, positioning them as key sources of protein, healthy fats and essential micronutrients, as well as fermented products like kefir.

"For decades, Lifeway has championed what these guidelines now affirm: that real, minimally processed foods with protein, healthy fats and fermentation are foundational to human health," commented Julie Smolyansky, president and CEO of Lifeway Foods. "Seeing kefir recognised for gut health validates our mission and reinforces why fermented dairy belongs at the centre of the American diet."

The new guidelines specifically targets high processed foods, urging Americans to avoid packaged, ready-to-eat foods high in added sugar and sodium, as well as products containing artificial flavours, petroleum-based dyes, preservatives and low-calorie sweeteners. Many of the US’ top snack producers have already committed to removing these from their products.

Notably, the guidelines state that no amount of added sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners is considered part of a healthy diet, setting explicit limits for snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages.

While carbohydrates are not eliminated, the government encourages fibre-rich whole grains and calls for a reduction in refined carbs, like those found in white bread and packaged breakfast products. Healthy fats are encouraged, but fat intake continues to be capped at 10% of daily calories, and sodium limits remain consistent with prior recommendations.

The American Heart Association welcomed the new guidelines, citing its emphasis on whole foods, but also voiced concerns about the priority placed on certain items. In a press release, they said: "We see an important opportunity to educate consumers about the scientific basis for certain recommendations. For example, we are concerned that recommendations regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease."

"While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products, which can be beneficial to heart health."

Unlike previous dietary guidelines, the latest recommendations are significantly shorter, reflecting Kennedy’s promises that core guidance would be limited to a few pages, with research and justification provided separately in supplemental pages.

Introducing the guidance, Kennedy told reporters: “Our government declares war on added sugar. Highly processed foods loaded with additives, added sugar and excess salt damage health and should be avoided. As secretary of health and human services, my message is clear: eat real food.”

In a statement, Meals on Wheels America said: "Going forward, there is much work to be done by the administration to support health and nutrition professionals in translating the new Dietary Guidelines into real world practices".

While the guidelines are advisory, they shape school meals, federal nutrition programmes and public health messaging – often serving as an early signal of future policy standards.