US dietary guidelines urge less sugar and more protein and mention beef tallow

The new US dietary guidelines encourage prioritizing protein and whole grains, limiting ultraprocessed foods and added sugars, and list oils such as olive oil while also mentioning butter or beef tallow as options. They update protein and dairy recommendations and will influence federal food programs including school meals, WIC and SNAP.

The federal government released updated dietary guidelines that echo earlier advice while reflecting priorities put forward by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again initiative. The main guidance is short and will be supplemented by longer technical reports and research. The update changes visuals used to depict recommended eating patterns and reiterates that following the guidance can help prevent or slow chronic disease. Officials said the guidance is intended to inform programs and policies across age groups. Key points: - The guidelines urge prioritizing high-quality protein and whole grains and recommend limiting ultraprocessed foods and added sugars. - Protein recommendations are expressed by body weight at 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram, cited as about 81.6 to 109 grams for a 150‑pound person in the report. - The update favors full‑fat dairy with no added sugars and calls for three servings per day for a 2,000‑calorie diet, and it sets fiber guidance at two to four servings per day. - The guidance singles out sugary drinks for avoidance and recommends oils with essential fatty acids such as olive oil; it also notes that other options can include butter or beef tallow. - The report restates breastfeeding guidance for infants and highlights that the recommendations shape programs such as school meals, WIC and SNAP. Summary: The guidelines are likely to influence federal nutrition programs and local public health planning and have prompted differing reactions from medical and nutrition experts about emphasis on red meat and full‑fat dairy. Undetermined at this time.