The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in January 2026, marking the first update in five years and a significant shift in the advice offered to consumers.
Unlike previous editions primarily geared toward a professional audience – including policymakers, healthcare providers, and nutrition educators – the current guidelines directly address the American public, aiming to simplify nutritional recommendations. The core message, according to the released documentation, is to prioritize “real food,” emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense options like protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains.
This edition builds upon previous guidelines, continuing to advocate for a diet rich in essential nutrients whereas simultaneously urging a substantial reduction in highly processed foods. These foods, often characterized by refined carbohydrates, added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives, are identified as key contributors to negative health outcomes. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and prevent disease.
The updated guidelines also express a desire to bolster the American food system, specifically supporting farmers, ranchers, and companies focused on producing “real food.” This approach seeks to re-center the American diet around foods that not only nourish the body but also contribute to overall health, energy levels, and physical activity. The USDA and HHS collaborate on updating and releasing these guidelines every five years, as outlined in the document.
The 2025-2030 edition is available for review and download at DietaryGuidelines.gov. The document details the development process, the individuals involved, and the historical context of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
