On January 7, 2026, the US Department of Health presented the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030, unveiled by department head Robert F. Kennedy Jr.. The document stresses “natural” foods while revising earlier views on saturated fats, red meat and full-fat dairy products.
In the new food pyramid, protein products including beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese and whole milk are elevated to a central place in the diet. Vegetables, fruit, greens and whole grains are still described as the foundation of nutrition, but the authors also allow cooking with butter and coconut oil while banning trans fats and several ultra-processed vegetable oils.
Kennedy said the previous guidelines had been “corrupted” and had unfairly “demonized” natural saturated fats.
Science journalist Irina Yakutenko said the list of authors raises concerns because some experts have ties to the meat and dairy industries. Cardiologist and doctor of medical sciences Mikhail Gilyarov told Novaya Gazeta Europe that the focus on “real food” appears more political than medical and may be aimed at supporting American farmers.
The document also raises recommended protein intake to 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight and lowers carbohydrates to 25–35% of total calories. Refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks and added sugar face strict limits; children under ten are advised to eliminate sugar entirely. Restrictions are also introduced on sweeteners and artificial additives.
Experts say the guidelines include some rational steps, including lower sugar intake, but doubt the document will help address obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In their view, moving away from calorie counting and partly rehabilitating saturated fats is not backed by sufficient scientific evidence and is unlikely to produce major public-health gains.