The 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 the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, in what they describe as a major shift in federal nutrition policy.
The new guidelines respond to growing health concerns in the United States, where nearly 90% of healthcare spending is related to chronic diseases often connected to diet and lifestyle. More than 70% of adults are classified as overweight or obese, and almost one-third of adolescents have prediabetes. These health issues have begun to affect military recruitment by disqualifying many young people from service.
“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” said Secretary Kennedy. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
Secretary Rollins added: “Thanks to the bold leadership of President Trump, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation. At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”
According to HHS and USDA officials, the administration’s approach seeks to restore scientific integrity and accountability in public health guidance while emphasizing food rather than pharmaceuticals as the basis for good health.
Key recommendations include prioritizing protein at every meal; consuming full-fat dairy without added sugars; eating a variety of whole vegetables and fruits throughout the day; incorporating healthy fats from sources such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados; focusing on whole grains while reducing refined carbohydrates; limiting processed foods along with added sugars and artificial additives; adjusting portion sizes based on individual factors like age or activity level; choosing water or unsweetened beverages for hydration; and limiting alcohol consumption.
The guidelines also offer specific advice tailored for various groups including infants and children, adolescents, pregnant or lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic diseases as well as vegetarians and vegans.
A fact sheet with additional details about these changes is available through HHS channels.
