New Dietary Guidelines Released by Trump Administration
The Trump administration recently released updated dietary guidelines advising Americans to prioritize protein and avoid highly processed packaged foods. These guidelines, updated every five years, have a significant impact on the dietary advice given by physicians and federal procurement policies for school meals and food benefits programs.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the new guidelines as “the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in history,” replacing corporate-driven assumptions with common sense goals and scientific integrity.
The updated standards include recommendations to cook with beef tallow, limit foods with artificial dyes, reduce sugar consumption, and focus on nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Notably, the guidelines target ultraprocessed foods and encourage consumers to prepare meals at home, avoiding packaged foods high in added sugars and sodium. There is also a strict limit on added sugars, with meals advised to contain no more than 10 grams.
In his statement, Kennedy declared a war on added sugar and emphasized the importance of avoiding highly processed foods that can harm health. The guidelines also prioritize protein and saturated fats found in meats, poultry, and eggs, recommending full-fat dairy in a reversal of previous advice.
While the new guidance highlights the benefits of saturated fats, consumption should not exceed 10% of total daily calories. The USDA is reintroducing the food pyramid, with protein, dairy, vegetables, and fruits at the top and whole grains at the bottom.
While many nutrition and health groups welcomed the emphasis on whole foods, some organizations expressed concerns about the emphasis on high-fat animal products linked to increased cardiovascular risk. The Center for Science in the Public Interest criticized the focus on animal protein and full-fat dairy, advocating for a greater intake of plant-based foods.