US Flips Food Pyramid To Promote Protein, Cut Added Sugar
The Trump administration released updated Dietary Guidelines featuring an inverted food pyramid emphasizing protein, healthy fats, and vegetables while limiting grains. The guidelines declare war on added sugar, recommending zero consumption and maximum 10 grams per meal, while increasing protein intake recommendations from 0.8 to 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram body weight daily. For the first time, the guidelines address highly processed foods, urging consumption limits, and replace specific alcohol limits with general reduction advice.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
The Trump administration has released updated federal Dietary Guidelines that bring back a revamped version of the food pyramid while urging Americans to consume less sugar and more animal-based protein. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. described the changes as a "decisive change in federal nutrition policy" that will revolutionize the nation's food culture, declaring that "our government declares war on added sugar."
New Food Pyramid Structure
The updated guidelines feature an inverted food pyramid that replaces the current MyPlate graphic used since 2011. The new structure emphasizes eating more fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and protein while limiting whole grains consumption.
| Component | Emphasis Level |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | High priority |
| Protein | High priority |
| Healthy Fats | High priority |
| Whole Grains | Limited consumption |
Protein and Sugar Recommendations
The guidelines significantly increase daily protein intake recommendations while establishing strict limits on added sugar consumption.
| Nutrient | New Recommendation | Previous Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (daily) | 1.20-1.60g per kg body weight | 0.80g per kg body weight |
| Added Sugar (per meal) | Maximum 10.00g | No specific limit |
| Added Sugar (ideal) | Zero consumption | No specific guidance |
Healthy Fats and Cooking Methods
The new guidelines emphasize "healthy fats," including full-fat dairy products, and recommend cooking with olive oil, butter, or beef tallow. This marks a departure from previous recommendations favoring vegetable oils over fats higher in saturated fat. Kennedy stated they are "ending the war on saturated fats," though existing limits remain unchanged at no more than 10% of daily calories from saturated fat.
Industry Impact and Expert Review
The Trump administration selected nine outside nutrition experts to review scientific evidence, with four having ties to meat or dairy industries. The result is viewed as favorable for these industries while potentially challenging packaged food companies. Shares of packaged food companies including Conagra Brands Inc., General Mills Inc., and Kraft Heinz Co. declined following the announcement.
Processed Foods and Alcohol Guidelines
For the first time, the dietary guidelines directly address highly processed foods, urging Americans to limit consumption. The American Medical Association applauded this change for "spotlighting the highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excess sodium that fuel heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses."
Regarding alcohol consumption, the new guidelines drop previous specific recommendations of no more than two drinks daily for men and one for women, instead simply urging people to "consume less alcohol" without specific warnings.
Implementation and Federal Programs
These dietary guidelines will shape nutrition for nearly 30 million children in schools and influence federal nutrition programs including food stamps. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed USDA will work to align school meals and other federal programs with the new guidelines, though specific implementation details were not provided.
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