Jan 12, 2026New USDA dietary guidelines reset federal nutrition policy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins have released all-new Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030), marking the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades.
The agency heads say the new guidelines deliver a clear message to the American people: eat real food.
“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.”
“We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers and companies that grow and produce real food,” Secretary Rollins said.
The guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance:
- 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, available below as a PDF file, also provide tailored recommendations for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating people, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians/vegans, ensuring nutritional adequacy across every stage of life, USDA says.
