New Dietary Guidelines Draw Criticism For High Fat Dairy, Protein Recommendations

US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and US Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have announced the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, aimed at reestablishing food as the foundation of health and the food pyramid as a tool for nourishment and education.1

Released on January 7, 2026, the guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance including prioritizing protein at every meal, consuming full-fat dairy with no added sugars, eating vegetables and fruits throughout the day, and incorporating healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.1

The document additionally encourages an increased focus on whole grains, reducing refined carbohydrates, limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives, eating the right amount, choosing water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration, and limiting alcohol consumption.1

In a statement released following the publication of the guidelines, the American Heart Association (AHA) commended the inclusion of several important science-based recommendations, including 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, noting that these elements align closely with the longstanding dietary guidance of the AHA and other public health authorities.2

However, the AHA also acknowledged certain aspects of the guidelines that may raise concern, including the language used regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption: “[This] could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease. While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products, which can be beneficial to heart health.”2

In a similar vein, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) released a statement praising the inclusion of 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. Both the AHA and the ACC urged caution regarding the guidelines’ emphasis on high fat dairy and high protein products, the latter of which the organizations say requires more research on consumption and the best sources for optimal health.2,3

“Protein is an essential component of a healthy diet, and we urge more scientific research on both the appropriate amount of protein consumption and the best protein sources for optimal health,” the AHA said in their statement.2 “Pending that research, we encourage consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood and lean meats and to limit high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard and tallow, which are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.”

Both the AHA and the ACC described plans to release updated guidance later this year to continue to inform the public about healthy eating and the role diet plays in chronic disease.2,3

A statement from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine praised the guidelines’ streamlined approach for limiting “bad” fat, emphasizing fruits and vegetables, and limiting alcohol, but drew similar criticisms to the AHA and ACC regarding the emphasis on meat, dairy, and overall protein intake.4

“The Guidelines are right to limit cholesterol-raising saturated fat,” Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, said.4 “But they should spell out where it comes from: dairy products and meat, primarily. And here the Guidelines err in promoting meat and dairy products, which are principal drivers of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.”

Beyond saturated fat intake, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine statement additionally criticizes the guidelines’ stance on processed foods, noting the known benefits of plant-based and vitamin-fortified processed foods. It also asserts that Americans already get enough protein and that if they are seeking more, it should come from plant-based sources.4

“The Guidelines have unjustly condemned highly processed foods and exonerated meat and dairy products,” Barnard said.4 “They should have done the reverse.”

References

1. US Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html

2. American Heart Association. New dietary guidelines underscore importance of healthy eating. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111842

3. American College of Cardiology. American College of Cardiology comments on new dietary guidelines for Americans. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111905

4. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dietary Guidelines are a mixed bag, show industry influence, says physicians group. EurekAlert! January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1111838