WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Trump Administration Puts Real Food First in Dietary Guidelines

The Trump Administration’s updated Dietary Guidelines represent the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in decades. By prioritizing real food — not ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates — these guidelines restore commonsense and science to health policy, putting real food back at the center of preventing chronic disease and promoting lifelong wellness.

The move immediately drew widespread praise from leading medical organizations, farmers, public health experts, and wellness advocates alike:

American Academy of Pediatrics President Andrew Racine, MD, PhD: “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recognizes the importance of the [guidelines’] clear focus on child nutrition guidance that supports healthy eating patterns for children, with a focus on whole, minimally processed foods. Every day, pediatricians support families in developing healthy eating habits, and we commend the inclusion of the academy’s evidence-based policy related to breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods, caffeine avoidance, and limits on added sugars.”

American College of Cardiology President Christopher M. Kramer, MD: “The ACC acknowledges and appreciates the release of new federal nutrition guidance and remains committed to helping clinicians and patients use it to support heart health. We welcome the inclusion of several important science-based recommendations, including a focus on eating whole fruits and vegetables; limiting added sugars, highly processed foods, saturated fats and sugary drinks; and incorporating whole grains and healthy fats from whole foods like meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.”

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau appreciates HHS and USDA for recognizing the importance of America’s farmers and ranchers who grow a safe and nutritious food supply. The new dietary guidelines acknowledge the value of prioritizing high-quality protein, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Farm Bureau looks forward to working with the administration to ensure food policy decisions are grounded in science and easily understood so America’s families have confidence when stocking their pantries.”

American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala, MD: “The American Medical Association applauds the Administration’s new Dietary Guidelines for spotlighting the highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excess sodium that fuel heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses. The Guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction patients and physicians can use to improve health. Today the AMA is making significant commitments to improve clinical competency, deliver educational resources for physicians, and work with Congress to enact meaningful, lasting nutrition change that can improve lives. The AMA is focused on helping physicians translate this science into everyday care and helping patients improve their overall health.”

American Heart Association: “The American Heart Association welcomes the new dietary guidelines and commends the inclusion of several important science-based recommendations, notably the emphasis on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains while limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats and sugary drinks. These elements align closely with the longstanding dietary guidance of the American Heart Association and other public health authorities.”

American Hospital Association Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes: “We welcome the Trump Administration’s revised dietary guidelines and continued focus on improving nutrition and promoting healthy eating. It is essential to the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities, and it plays a critical role in preventing disease and supporting long-term health. Today’s guidelines jump-start important conversations about what we eat, and hospitals remain committed to helping patients access wholesome food and empowering them to make informed choices that support their health.”

Consumer Brands Association: “We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans inform important food and beverage policy. American consumers continue to seek a diverse selection of foods and beverages and the makers of America’s trusted household brands provide a wide variety of products to choose from that are affordable, safe and nutritious, along with access to the information consumers need to make informed choices.”

Environmental Working Group Senior Strategic Campaign Director for Food Systems Sarah Reinhardt: “When it comes to ultra-processed food, the guidelines point us in the right direction. We don’t have to know everything to know some things, and we already know that ultra-processed foods high in refined grains and added sugar are contributing to chronic disease. This is an urgent public health problem. America leads the world in the consumption of UPF. Kids now get more than 60% of their calories from UPF and for adults, it’s more than 50%. We need to start somewhere to tackle this problem. Cutting back on refined grains and sugar-sweetened foods and drinks alone would go a long way toward improving public health.”

FARE CEO Sung Poblete, PhD, RN: “Early introduction to prevent the development of food allergy has been a FARE priority for years. We applaud the recognition of evidence-based science that broadens the infant feeding recommendation to reduce food allergy beyond peanut as recommended in the 2020-2025 DGA. It is critical that this recommendation be acted upon quickly by health professionals and federal agencies—every month that passes without broad adoption of early introduction means infants will continue to develop food allergy and potentially bear that burden for a lifetime. With this new recommendation, we urge quick action to reduce food allergy within the next generation.”

Global Wellness Forum Chairman Sayer Ji: “For too long, our food pyramid and health policies have fueled—not fixed—the chronic disease epidemic. A science-based, food-first nutritional framework incorporating ancestral foods has the potential to dramatically reduce diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, and more, while restoring metabolic and immune resilience at scale. This shift is nothing short of revolutionary. Gratitude to everyone in the MAHA movement for helping move this long-suppressed truth into the public conversation. When nutrition aligns with biology, healing becomes possible again.”

GoTowardHealth Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tro Kalayjian: “Finally the Food Pyramid we deserve! Retweet if you are excited about our NEW dietary guidelines”

Independent Medical Alliance President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joseph Varon: “The new guidelines’ emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods, high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and strict limits on added sugars represents a science-backed approach that prioritizes real nourishment over processed alternatives. As we enter the new year, HHS and USDA are providing Americans with science-backed, holistic food guidelines that can truly transform health outcomes in 2026 and beyond. We expect lasting positive impacts for generations to come.”

Independent Women Senior Fellow for Health Policy Dr. Monique Yohanan: “Our food has been making us sick. Dietary guidelines that emphasize real food, limiting sugar, and avoiding ultra-processed products are a welcome correction.”

International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes, DVM: “The new Dietary Guidelines send a clear and powerful message to Americans: dairy foods belong at the center of a healthy diet. IDFA applauds HHS and USDA for grounding the 2025–2030 DGA in today’s nutrition science, including the evidence showing that dairy products at all fat levels support healthy eating patterns. Recommending the consumption of whole and full-fat dairy products such as whole milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products is an important victory for consumer choice and public health. Americans can now enjoy the wholesome dairy foods that work for their cultural, dietary and lifestyle preferences knowing that they are benefitting from dairy’s unique nutrient profile.”

International Fresh Produce Association Vice President of Nutrition and Health Mollie Van Lieu: “Today’s Dietary Guidelines reinforce the critical role fruits and vegetables play in overall health. Scientific evidence consistently shows that fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of what people eat. The Administration’s focus on whole foods is an opportunity to increase fruit and vegetable intake, as they are the most nutrient-dense foods available.”

Johns Hopkins Medicine Cardiologist Dr. Joseph Marine: “Impressive roll-out of what looks to be historic change in US dietary guidelines. Look forward to digging into the details. I like the simple message: Eat Real Food Don’t Eat Highly Addictive Toxic Poison…”

Lifeway Foods President and CEO Julie Smolyansky: “For decades, Lifeway has championed what these guidelines now affirm: that real, minimally processed foods with protein, healthy fats and fermentation are foundational to human health. Seeing kefir recognised for gut health validates our mission and reinforces why fermented dairy belongs at the centre of the American diet.”

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts: “We are pleased the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans prioritize protein and that families can get that protein from nutrient dense meat and poultry. Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the Dietary Guidelines making it clear that meat is a protein powerhouse which plays a vital role in healthy diets. Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan.”

National Association of County and City Health Officials CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman: “We have an obesity epidemic in this country that is causing chronic disease extensively…Diet and exercise guidelines help us get people focused on how to stay healthy and avoid chronic conditions. Revisions to dietary guidelines and a review of them are certainly always welcomed by the public health and broader health community, especially when things haven’t been looked at for some time or there’s new or evolving data.”

National Association of Wine Retailers President Dave Parker: “Americans deserve a balanced and unbiased approach to recommendations on alcohol consumption and this is exactly what we got today from the new Dietary Guidelines. Moderate consumption has long been the foundation of the proper relationship with alcohol, and we are very pleased to see that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not succumb to the call by extremist anti-alcohol groups to throw the idea of moderate consumption under the bus.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President Kim Brackett: “As a mom, I understand the importance of eating nutritious wholesome protein and as a rancher, I see the hard work that goes into providing the best possible food for our communities. The updated and simplified Dietary Guidelines will help more families like mine learn the facts about beef’s nutritional value and make the best decisions when they’re shopping for a nutrient-rich, whole, and delicious protein. Beef provides high amounts of protein plus nine other essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, and gold-standard clinical studies have consistently shown that it is easy to incorporate beef into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy underlining the role of beef as an important part of a healthy diet.”

National Confectioners Association: “We support and value the role of the Dietary Guidelines in promoting balanced nutrition. The Dietary Guidelines have consistently reinforced for consumers what they already know about chocolate and candy – that they are treats, and not meal replacements – and this latest iteration reflects that same notion. American consumers have a unique mindset when they enjoy chocolate and candy that is not present when interacting with other foods. People in the U.S. enjoy chocolate and candy 2-3 times per week, averaging just 40 calories per day and about one teaspoon of added sugar per day. To help consumers choose the right treat for any occasion, chocolate and candy companies are offering more variety in pack sizes and portion options than ever before – all while reminding consumers that candy is a treat and not a center-of-the-plate food.”

National Chicken Council Senior Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Ashley Peterson, PhD: “It’s abundantly clear that chicken is a lean and affordable protein that can help all Americans across all stages of life meet the new dietary guidelines. I want to thank President Trump, and Secretaries Rollins and Kennedy for their leadership in the formulation of the new guidelines. We’re pleased the administration took a science-based and common-sense approach to healthy eating and rejected recommendations put forth by the previous Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) that emphasized plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken, as evidenced in the new Food Pyramid.”

National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud: “NMPF thanks HHS and USDA for recognizing dairy’s critical role in a healthy diet in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, as shown by its continued recommendation of three servings of dairy for Americans, its recognition of dairy’s benefits at all fat levels, and dairy’s prominence in diverse diets. We are proud to benefit American health in fundamental ways, and we welcome the potential these guidelines hold for expanding upon dairy’s critical role in the diet. As also shown in the scientific report that preceded today’s guidelines, reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet leads to undernourishment in key nutrients for millions of Americans. These guidelines encourage consumption of dairy nutrients critical to human health. Meanwhile, not all fats are created equal, and because the guidelines acknowledge this, dairy’s benefits are better reflected in this iteration of the guidelines.”

National Pork Producers Council President-elect Rob Brenneman: “America’s pork producers appreciate the 2025 Dietary Guidelines putting pork front and center on the plate. They took note of producer concerns and rightly gave pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense, and delicious meats their due when it comes to Americans’ health and dietary habits.”

National Turkey Federation President and CEO Leslee Oden: “The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds the work of USDA and HHS in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Americans. The DGA’s emphasis on animal protein as a cornerstone of healthy, balanced dietary patterns aligns with our shared goal of helping American families thrive through practical, affordable and accessible nutrition guidance.”

Natural Products Association: “The release of the revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans is an important milestone in federal nutrition policy and will shape health programs, consumer behavior and regulatory priorities for years to come. The Natural Products Association welcomes the Guidelines’ emphasis on nutrient-dense diets and improved overall diet quality. However, as policymakers and health professionals consider how Americans can realistically meet these recommendations, it is critical to acknowledge a longstanding reality. Millions of Americans fail to obtain adequate intake of key vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients solely from food.”

North American Blueberry Council President Kasey Cronquist: “The North American Blueberry Council welcomes the newly released 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasize eating whole foods, such as blueberries – fresh, frozen and dried. The Dietary Guidelines play a critical role in shaping dietary choices and supporting the shared goal of making America healthy again by helping ensure that all Americans, including those participating in federal nutrition programs, are eating high-quality, nutrient-dense foods like blueberries.”

PhRMA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Ybarra: “In the ER, I see what poor nutrition does to real people… heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure. Thoughtful, evidence-based dietary guidelines can be one of our strongest tools to improve health across the country.”

Plant Based Food Association Executive Director Marjorie Mulhall: “U.S. plant-based food companies are dedicated to providing delicious, nutrient-dense products that help Americans meet their dietary needs and preferences. We are glad to see the updated Dietary Guidelines recommend that plant-based proteins be prioritized as part of a healthy diet.”

Plant Based Foods Institute Executive Director Sanah Baig: “Stronger plant-forward guidance could advance public health while also serving as an economic opportunity for U.S. agriculture. Increased recognition of the important role plant-based protein- and fiber-rich foods have in our diets can help growers expand their farming operations, build durable markets for American-grown pulses and other crops, and keep more food dollars circulating in rural communities.”

Science Over Bias: “The Dietary Guidelines’ longstanding, overarching advice is that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done in moderation. These updated guidelines, underpinned by the preponderance of scientific evidence, reaffirm this important guidance.”

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council President and CEO Karen Kerrigan: “The new dietary guidelines unveiled by the Trump Administration provide timely and valuable guidance to the millions of Americans who resolved to prioritize their health and wellness in 2026, and the millions of others who are on the journey to improved health through lifestyle changes. The simple message to ‘eat real foods’ along with straightforward and flexible guidance will save and improve lives. The impact on the health and wellbeing of young people in terms of promoting nutrient-dense foods has the potential be transformative.”

Stanford University School of Medicine Huberman Lab Director Andrew D. Huberman, PhD: “Oatmeal (and I think that’s rice and sourdough) made the cut! In all seriousness, assuming overall calories are kept in check and people exercise & get sun(day)light, this looks spot on.”

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association President Carl Ray Polk Jr.: “Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association applauds the Trump Administration for encouraging Americans to prioritize protein with every meal. Cattle Raisers will continue to produce a highly nutritious protein, ensuring consumers have access to safe, affordable and wholesome beef. Beef provides essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development, and we appreciate dietary guidelines that are grounded in sound science, recognizing the important role animal agriculture plays in nourishing families across our nation.”

The Brewers Association: “The Brewers Association supports moderation and responsible consumption, ideas that are reflected in the new dietary guidelines. Beer, when enjoyed responsibly, remains the beverage of moderation and a valued part of many people’s balanced lifestyle.”

The Food Industry Association Vice President of Health and Well-Being Krystal Register: “FMI welcomes the release of the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans as they are intended to provide science-based advice and daily recommendations on food groups and nutrients to encourage and those to limit – all in an effort to support healthy and balanced eating patterns. Fortunately, every day, America’s food producers, manufacturers and retailers provide the choice and variety needed to accomplish this goal.”

Tufts University Food is Medicine Institute Director Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian: “Highly processed foods are clearly harmful for a range of diseases, so to have the U.S. government recommend that a wide class of foods be eaten less because of their processing is a big deal and I think a very positive move for public health…”

U.S. Apple Association President and CEO Jim Bair: “The Dietary Guidelines may evolve, but they continue to reaffirm a simple truth: Americans need to eat more fruits and vegetables. We look forward to seeing that message shared widely.”

United Egg Producers President and CEO Chad Gregory: “America’s egg farmers are proud to produce eggs – a healthy, natural food with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are important, and we appreciate the recognition of the value of eggs in the 2026 guidelines, which make both whole foods and protein a priority. One egg alone has six grams of protein, and the protein quality of an egg is so high, that eggs are often used as the standard for measuring the protein value of other foods. U.S. egg producers are grateful for the continued support of the egg industry by USDA, HHS and the administration.”

USA Pulses CEO Tim McGreevy: “The new dietary guidelines clearly affirm the essential role of beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas in improving the diets of American families. Pulses are nutritional powerhouses that serve double duty as both a protein and vegetable source. The new guidelines’ emphasis on increasing protein and nutrients like fiber makes beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas the perfect choice for families looking to improve their health. We commend USDA and HHS for recognizing the nutritional strengths of pulses and we look forward to working with them to ensure these American-grown foods make it onto more plates.”

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders: “Gone are the days when American’s health was an afterthought. Grateful to @SecKennedy, @SecretaryRollins, and President @realDonaldTrump for putting science, common sense, and real nutrition back at the forefront of America’s health.”

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt: “Meat and dairy at the top of the food pyramid- just as it should be. The best way to Make Oklahoma Healthy Again is to consume our home- grown food produced by our very own farmers. MOHA!”

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler: “There should be broad agreement that eating more whole foods and reducing highly processed carbohydrates is a major advance in how we approach diet and health…”

“The Carnivore Diet” author Dr. Shawn Baker: “The new USDA dietary guidelines are out with an emphasis on real food to include more red meat, milk and eggs with an emphasis on more protein and less refined grain and sugar! Well done @SecRollins @SecKennedy”

“The Keto Reset Diet” author Mark Sisson: “This is big. Back when we all started with this Primal/paleo/real food stuff 20 years ago, did you ever think you’d see these words and phrases and recommendations in the USDA dietary guidelines? “Nutrient-dense” “Healthy fats from whole foods… eggs, seafood, meats, full-fat dairy…” “1.2-1.6 grams per kg” of protein “Colorful” fruits and vegetables “traditionally prepared” grains… “oats, rice, and sourdough preferred” They even cut way back on grains. 2-4 servings of whole grains down from 8-11 in the old guidelines. There’s no mention of seed/vegetable oils, but the implication is that they should be avoided. These are big wins.”

Paul Saladino, MD: “This is incredible. This is #foodforhumans … Red meat, animal foods, saturated fat – these are not to be feared. So stoked to see the guidelines reflecting this! Bravo.”

Food Babe Founder Vani Hari: “The new food pyramid!! It’s like it was made for us #FoodBabeArmy Thank you @SecRollins @SecKennedy”