The Trump administration’s latest release of federal nutrition advice on Wednesday emphasizes the importance of consuming more whole foods and protein while reducing intake of highly processed foods and added sugars. The 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, provide updated recommendations for a healthy diet and serve as the basis for federal nutrition programs and policies. Kennedy stressed the significance of opting for real, unprocessed foods.
The guidelines highlight the consumption of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products as essential components of a healthy diet. They also caution against highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates, urging individuals to avoid packaged, ready-to-eat foods that are high in salt or sugar, such as chips, cookies, and candy. These recommendations aim to address the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in the American diet, which have been linked to chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Contrary to earlier indications, the new guidance does not advocate for an increase in saturated fats consumption. Instead, it suggests choosing whole-food sources of saturated fats, such as meat, whole-fat dairy, or avocados, while limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 10% of daily calories. The guidelines also mention options like butter or beef tallow, despite prior advice to avoid these fats.
The dietary guidelines, mandated to be updated every five years, aim to provide a framework for a healthy diet. However, research shows that despite these recommendations, a significant portion of the population continues to struggle with diet-related chronic diseases. The updated recommendations have garnered support from various nutrition experts, who appreciate the emphasis on whole foods and the reduction of highly processed carbohydrates as a positive step towards better health.
The new guidelines, contained in a concise 10-page document, reflect Kennedy’s commitment to creating easily understandable dietary recommendations. These guidelines are particularly impactful on programs like the National School Lunch Program, which must adhere to them while serving nearly 30 million U.S. children on a typical school day.