The latest federal nutrition advice, released by the Trump administration on Wednesday, urges Americans to increase their intake of whole foods and protein while reducing consumption of highly processed foods and added sugar. The 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued by 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 emphasized the importance of consuming real food during a White House briefing.
The guidelines promote the consumption of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products, as well as advise against highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. These recommendations aim to steer consumers away from energy-dense, ultra-processed products like chips, cookies, and candy, which have been associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Contrary to previous indications, the new guidance does not advocate for increasing saturated fat intake. Instead, it suggests choosing whole-food sources of saturated fat, such as meat, whole-fat dairy, or avocados, while maintaining saturated fat consumption at no more than 10% of daily calories. The document also mentions butter or beef tallow as options, despite earlier advice to avoid these fats.
The dietary guidelines, required to be updated every five years, offer a framework for a healthy diet, yet research shows that a significant portion of the population does not adhere to them. The updated recommendations have received positive feedback from some nutrition experts, who view the emphasis on whole foods and reduced processed carbohydrates as a significant step forward in promoting health.
The new guidelines, presented in a concise 10-page document, align with Kennedy’s commitment to create clear and accessible dietary recommendations. These guidelines will have a notable impact on the National School Lunch Program, which serves nearly 30 million U.S. children on a typical school day and must comply with the guidelines.