U.S. dietary guidelines say 'Eat real food' and urge more protein, less added sugar.

The 2025–2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend more whole foods and higher protein intake, and advise limiting highly processed foods and added sugars.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins released the 2025–2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans with the message "Eat real food." The short, 10-page document highlights more whole foods and increased protein, and it advises limiting highly processed foods and added sugars. It retains a recommendation to limit saturated fat to no more than 10% of daily calories while noting whole-food sources. The guidelines provide the federal template for nutrition programs and policies. Key points: - The guidelines were issued by Health and Agriculture officials and are intended to guide federal nutrition programs and policies. - They emphasise fresh vegetables, whole grains and dairy, and raise the recommended protein intake to about 1.2–1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. - The document advises avoiding or sharply limiting highly processed foods (packaged, ready-to-eat salty or sweet items) and states that no amount of added sugars or non-nutritive sweeteners is considered part of a healthy diet; it sets a limit of no more than 10 grams of added sugars per meal. - It maintains a limit on saturated fat at no more than 10% of daily calories and recommends choosing whole-food sources; the text also mentions options such as butter or beef tallow. - The 10-page format marks a notable shortening of past guidance, and the recommendations will most directly affect programs like the National School Lunch Program; translating the guidance into specific meal requirements can take years. - The document did not adopt recommendations from a 20-member federal advisory panel on ultraprocessed foods, and agencies are working on a formal definition of ultraprocessed foods. Summary: The guidelines shift emphasis toward whole foods and higher protein while urging limits on highly processed foods, added sugars and saturated fat. They are presented as a shorter, simpler guide and will serve as the basis for federal nutrition programs, especially school meals. Translating these recommendations into specific school meal rules and a formal definition of ultraprocessed foods is expected to take time.