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(Washington, DC)-On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture jointly released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, officials are describing the update as the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. The announcement was made in Washington by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and framed as a return to what officials called a simple message: eat real food.HHS Press Room , HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
According to the HHS fact sheet and accompanying release, the new guidelines are a response to what federal officials characterize as a national health emergency. Nearly 90 percent of U.S. health care spending is tied to chronic disease, much of it linked to diet and lifestyle. More than 70 percent of American adults are overweight or obese, and close to one in three adolescents is affected by prediabetes. Diet-related chronic illness, officials noted, is also limiting eligibility for military service and raising concerns about long-term national readiness.HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
Under the leadership of Donald Trump, the administration says the updated guidelines are intended to restore scientific integrity, accountability, and common sense to federal health guidance. The 2025 – 2030 edition repositions food-rather than pharmaceuticals-as the foundation of health and reframes dietary guidance around whole, minimally processed foods.HHS Press Room , HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
“This edition returns us to the basics,” Secretary Kennedy said in the release, emphasizing that households should prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods such as protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains, while sharply reducing highly processed foods. Secretary Rollins added that the new framework realigns federal nutrition policy to support American farmers and ranchers, placing foods like protein, dairy, produce, and whole grains at the center of the American table.HHS Press Room , HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
Core Principles of the 2025–2030 Guidelines
As outlined by HHS, the updated Dietary Guidelines emphasize practical, flexible recommendations rooted in modern nutrition science. Key points include:
- Prioritizing protein at every meal, from both animal and plant sources
- Including full-fat dairy products with no added sugars
- Eating vegetables and fruits throughout the day, with an emphasis on whole forms
- Incorporating healthy fats from whole foods such as seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
- Focusing on whole grains while significantly reducing refined carbohydrates
- Limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives
- Choosing water and unsweetened beverages as primary hydration sources
- Limiting alcohol consumption to support overall health
- Adjusting portions based on age, sex, body size, and activity level
The guidelines also provide tailored recommendations for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and those following vegetarian or vegan diets, with the stated goal of ensuring nutritional adequacy across all stages of life.HHS Press Room , HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
Impact on Federal Programs
HHS notes that the Dietary Guidelines form the foundation for numerous federal nutrition programs, including school meals, military and veterans’ dining, and child and adult feeding initiatives. The 2025-2030 update marks the first step in aligning these programs with affordable, nutrient-dense whole foods rather than heavily processed options.HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
Federal officials say the long-term objective is to improve health outcomes, reduce diet-related chronic disease, and help curb rising health care costs. The administration has invited stakeholders across health, agriculture, education, and food systems to participate in discussions on how the new guidance should be implemented nationwide.
The full Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Review The full Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
Source: HHS Press Room , HHS Press Room Fact Sheet
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