Updated Dietary Guidelines Emphasize Protein, Full-Fat Dairy, and Limits on Ultra-Processed Foods

Federal officials have released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030, outlining updated national nutrition recommendations intended to address chronic disease risk through dietary patterns centered on whole, nutrient-dense foods.

Announced in January 2026 by the US Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, the guidelines present what officials describe as simplified, flexible dietary advice focused on food quality rather than calorie counting. Central recommendations include prioritizing protein intake at each meal, consuming full-fat dairy products without added sugars, eating vegetables and fruits throughout the day, and incorporating healthy fats from whole-food sources such as seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.

The document also calls for increased consumption of fiber-rich whole grains and a significant reduction in refined carbohydrates, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods containing added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives. For adults and adolescents aged 14 years and older, sodium intake should remain below 2 300 mg/day, while added sugars are not considered part of a healthy diet and should be minimized. Water and unsweetened beverages are recommended for hydration, and alcohol intake should be limited.

Quantitative targets are provided for several macronutrients. Protein intake is recommended at 1.2–1.6 g/kg/day, adjusted for caloric needs, with encouragement to consume both animal- and plant-based sources. Full-fat dairy is included as part of healthy dietary patterns, with a suggested 3 servings per day in a 2 000-calorie diet. Saturated fat intake, however, should not exceed 10% of total daily calories, a threshold the guidelines note may be easier to meet by limiting ultra-processed foods.

In responses issued following publication, several professional societies acknowledged alignment between the new guidelines and long-standing recommendations to increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting added sugars and refined grains. At the same time, some organizations noted that the emphasis on full-fat dairy and higher protein intake warrants continued evaluation, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease risk and long-term population health outcomes.

The guidelines include extensive age- and population-specific recommendations, with tailored guidance for infancy, childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, lactation, and older adulthood. For patients with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, the document states that adherence to recommended dietary patterns may help prevent disease onset or slow progression, while emphasizing the importance of individualized counseling in clinical practice.

For primary care physicians and other clinicians, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 provide updated benchmarks to inform nutrition counseling, preventive care strategies, and discussions about diet quality in the context of chronic disease management.