WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, outlining updated federal nutrition recommendations for the next five years.
According to the announcement, the guidelines were released by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The document replaces the previous 2020–2025 guidelines and will be used to inform federal nutrition programs, public health messaging, and dietary policy.
Federal officials cited national health data in the release, stating that a significant portion of health care spending is associated with chronic disease and that diet-related conditions such as obesity and prediabetes affect a large percentage of the U.S. population. The agencies also noted impacts on workforce readiness and military eligibility linked to health factors.
The updated guidelines emphasize dietary patterns centered on whole foods. Key recommendations include prioritizing protein at meals, consuming dairy products without added sugars, eating vegetables and fruits in whole forms, incorporating fats from foods such as meat, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds, and focusing on whole grains while limiting refined carbohydrates. The guidance also advises reducing intake of highly processed foods, added sugars, artificial additives, and alcohol, while encouraging water and unsweetened beverages.
The agencies stated the guidelines are designed to be flexible and applicable across different age groups and health needs. Additional recommendations are included for infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating individuals, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years and serve as the federal government’s primary source of nutrition guidance for the public and for programs such as school meals and food assistance initiatives.
