FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2026
The Trump administration has officially announced a revolutionary change in U.S. nutrition policy, emphasizing the importance of real food to foster better health among Americans. The new framework aims to address the alarming rates of chronic illness across the nation, a situation many believe is largely due to previous government guidelines that favored processed foods over nutritious options.
Today, the White House unveiled the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, marking a significant shift in federal nutrition policy. Under President Trump's leadership, the focus is now on scientific integrity and common sense, moving away from decades of policies that prioritized corporate interests. This comprehensive reset aims to enhance the health of all Americans by providing clear, actionable guidance on nutrition.
The new dietary guidelines advocate for the consumption of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also emphasizes the avoidance of highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. nutrition policy.
These guidelines will serve as the foundation for numerous federal feeding programs, including those for schools, military, and veterans. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that school meals and other nutrition programs promote access to affordable, whole, nutrient-dense foods.
The Dietary Guidelines provide a flexible framework tailored to individual and family needs, preferences, and financial situations. They recommend a wide variety of protein sources, including chicken, pork, beans, and legumes, as well as diverse dairy options, from whole milk to full-fat products. The guidelines encourage the consumption of fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruits and vegetables while advocating for the reduction of processed foods high in refined carbohydrates.
Among the notable recommendations are:
Prioritizing Protein: The guidelines endorse the inclusion of nutrient-dense protein sources in every meal, highlighting options from both animal and plant sources. Avoiding Highly Processed Foods: For the first time, the guidelines explicitly warn against the dangers of highly processed foods, urging Americans to steer clear of sugary beverages and snacks. Avoiding Added Sugars: The new guidance categorically states that no amount of added sugars is advisable, particularly for children under four. Ending the War on Healthy Fats: The focus is placed on acquiring fats from whole food sources that provide essential fatty acids. Heralding Whole Grains: The guidelines encourage the intake of fiber-rich whole grains while reducing consumption of refined carbohydrates. Managing Chronic Disease with Diet: The guidance suggests that lower carbohydrate diets may improve health outcomes for individuals with certain chronic conditions.The Trump administration argues that the continued promotion of unhealthy food options is contributing to soaring health care costs in the United States. With 42 million Americans relying on the SNAP program, the prevalence of sugary drinks and snacks among popular items is concerning. This trend not only impacts public health but also drives Medicaid costs, as many SNAP recipients are enrolled in the program.
By adhering to the new dietary guidelines, the potential exists for a substantial reduction in chronic diseases and associated health care expenses. According to a recent Johns Hopkins analysis, nearly half of all federal tax dollars are allocated to health care, with a significant portion spent on chronic diseases that are often preventable through improved dietary choices.
While previous administrations emphasized health equity in their nutrition policies, the Trump administration prioritizes the overall health of all Americans. The goal of the Dietary Guidelines is to provide sound nutrition recommendations that can influence federal procurement programs and improve the health landscape across the nation.
To learn more about the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, visit realfood.gov.