US releases new dietary guidelines emphasizing protein and food quality

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released the 2025-2030 dietary guidelines, signed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Brooke Rollins. The new framework marks a significant shift in national nutritional policy, moving away from a focus on calorie and fat restriction toward a philosophy centered on food quality, summarized by the slogan ‘Eat Real Food’.

Key changes include a substantial increase in recommended daily protein intake, rising from 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight to a range of 1.2 to 1.6 grams. The guidelines also advocate for a return to full-fat dairy, natural butter, and beef tallow, rather than exclusively recommending low-fat or non-fat options. The new approach emphasizes animal-based proteins, such as beef, pork, poultry, and eggs, while advising against ultra-processed foods containing added sugars and salts.

This shift has prompted debate within the scientific community. While the guidelines aim to enhance satiety and muscle mass maintenance, critics note potential difficulties in adhering to the 10% limit on saturated fats when combined with the increased recommendations for full-fat dairy and red meat. The traditional nutritional pyramid, which prioritized grains and carbohydrates, is effectively being replaced by a model that places animal products at a more central position.