Last week marked a significant shift in American nutritional policy, as United States Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr unveiled the government's revamped dietary guidelines for 2025 to 2030. Published under the straightforward slogan "eat real food", the new recommendations have sparked immediate debate among health professionals on both sides of the Atlantic.
Core Changes and Controversial Shifts
While much of the foundational advice remains consistent with past editions—promoting fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and limits on added sugars and salt—several key updates have drawn scrutiny. One of the most notable changes is a substantial increase in recommended daily protein intake, rising from 0.8 grams to between 1.2 and 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. The guidelines now encourage prioritising protein at every meal.
Another departure is the endorsement of full-fat dairy products over their low-fat counterparts, a move that contradicts longstanding advice from heart health foundations in both the US and Australia. Furthermore, the guidelines now explicitly advise people to limit and avoid ultra-processed foods, aligning with a growing body of research linking them to chronic disease.
The visual representation of healthy eating has also been overhauled. A new, inverted food pyramid places meats, dairy, oils, and vegetables at its widest top section, with fruits, nuts, and grains at the narrower tip. Critics argue this visual contradicts the written advice, which continues to promote 2–4 daily servings of whole grains and may inadvertently encourage excessive saturated fat consumption.
Omissions and Industry Influence Raise Concerns
Perhaps more telling are the elements that have been removed or diluted. For the first time in 25 years, specific quantified limits on alcohol have been omitted, replaced with a vague instruction to "limit alcoholic beverages". Warnings about alcohol's direct links to several cancers have also disappeared, despite strong scientific consensus.
The development process itself has raised eyebrows. The scientific report disclosed that several committee members had financial ties to food industry groups, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and dairy organisations. While industry connections are not new, the Trump administration's accelerated review process lacked standard systematic evidence protocols and a public comment period, leading experts to question the robustness of the recommendations.
The Missing Conversation on Equity and Access
According to Professor Lauren Ball of The University of Queensland and dietitian Emily Burch, who analysed the guidelines, a striking omission is the report's deliberate shift away from "health equity". The guidelines fail to address the socio-economic realities that make "eating real food" an immense challenge for millions.
Access to affordable, healthy food remains severely limited across the US, particularly for those in low-income communities, rural areas, or with unpredictable work schedules. By placing the onus solely on individual choice, the guidelines overlook the structural drivers of diet—affordability, accessibility, and cultural relevance—and ignore the role of a food system often prioritising profit over public health.
While the emphasis on whole foods and avoiding processed items is sensible, the new US dietary guidelines introduce potential confusion and contradictions. For individuals seeking personalised, evidence-based eating advice, consulting a qualified dietitian remains the most reliable path forward.
