New Dietary Guidelines: More Protein, Less Sugar
On January 8, 2026, the Trump administration introduced updated dietary guidelines aimed at improving Americans’ health. The new advice encourages people to increase their protein intake while cutting back on added sugars and highly processed foods. This shift is part of a broader health initiative called “Make America Healthy Again,” led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy’s team wants to simplify nutrition guidelines and reduce the influence of food companies on these recommendations. Historically, dietary guidelines are revised every five years by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. This year, the focus is on reducing the consumption of sugar and processed foods, which are linked to rising rates of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Kennedy made headlines by declaring, “Today, our government declares war on added sugar.” Alongside increasing protein recommendations from 0.8 grams to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, the guidelines continue to emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
A noteworthy change is the encouragement to consume full-fat dairy, moving away from past advice that favored low-fat options. The decision stems from debates among health professionals and dairy farmers, who argue that whole dairy provides more nutrients.
Interestingly, the guidelines no longer specify a limit on alcohol consumption but suggest reducing intake for better health. This reflects a shift toward a more flexible approach to dietary habits.
Experts have praised the guidelines. Bobby Mukkamala from the American Medical Association emphasized the importance of addressing processed foods and sugary drinks, which contribute to serious health issues.
The guidelines also stress avoiding highly processed foods. They state that no added sugars or artificial sweeteners are part of a healthy diet, and if sugars are consumed, they should not exceed 10 grams per meal. This contrasts with previous recommendations that allowed for small amounts of sugar in healthier food options.
Furthermore, food companies are starting to respond by removing artificial ingredients to align with these new standards. For instance, major beverage makers are facing scrutiny, particularly from Kennedy.
Research from the World Health Organization highlights the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, linking them to conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. As the U.S. prepares to define ultra-processed foods federally, public sentiment is growing against overly processed diets.
In conclusion, these updated dietary guidelines mark a significant shift in U.S. nutrition policy, aiming for healthier food choices that can lower healthcare costs and improve public health outcomes.
For more details, you can visit the Reuters report.
