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On January 7, 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins jointly unveiled the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, styled as part of the <em>Make America Healthy Again</em> initiative. The revised Guidelines, published every five years, mark a significant shift in federal nutrition policy. The Guidelines broadly encourage prioritizing proteins and healthy fats while limiting highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugars. According to an HHS <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html">press release</a>, the new Guidelines emphasize the following:

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Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars

Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms

Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados

Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates

Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives

Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level

Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration

Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health

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According to <a href="https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/fact-sheet-historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html">HHS</a>, previous Guidelines emphasized carbohydrates over protein. However, these revised Guidelines prioritize nutrient-dense proteins from animal sources in addition to plant-sourced proteins. The Guidelines now suggest a protein target of 1.2-1.6 <em>grams per kilogram of body weight per day</em>. The new Guidelines also suggest avoiding highly processed foods for the first time. Along with these changes, HHS and USDA have announced a new food pyramid:

Illustrated food pyramid showing recommended food groups, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, dairy, and healthy fats.

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These revised Guidelines impact nutrition standards for school meals, military and veteran meals, SNAP, and other nutritional programs. The Guidelines aim to prioritize health outcomes, particularly seeking to decrease the prevalence of chronic conditions, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes. HHS anticipates that improving health outcomes will likewise reduce health care costs as a result. The Dietary Guidelines will drive food contracting with publicly funded schools and other institutions, favoring those companies that offer lightly processed proteins and sources of saturated fats.

If you have questions about how these new Guidelines may affect your business, please contact your Michael Best attorney or a member of our team listed on this alert.

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HHS & USDA Announce New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

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