Yes to Red Meat, No to Sugar: Trump Administration Unveils New U.S. Health Guidelines

The United States government has released updated federal dietary guidelines that significantly shift long-standing nutrition advice, encouraging higher protein intake — including red meat and full-fat dairy — while strongly discouraging sugar and ultra-processed foods.

Unveiled under the administration of Donald Trump, the new guidelines introduce a redesigned, inverted food pyramid. The visual places meat, dairy and healthy fats alongside fruits and vegetables at the top tier, while fibre-rich whole grains such as oats and cereals are positioned at the bottom — a reversal of earlier recommendations.

The revised guidance places a strong emphasis on protein consumption, advising adults to consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. This marks a notable increase from earlier federal advice, which suggested around 0.8 grams per kilogram for most people.

Health officials said the goal is to curb rising chronic illnesses by reducing dependence on refined carbohydrates, sugary beverages and packaged foods. The guidelines recommend that children avoid added sugars until at least the age of 10 and urge Americans to significantly cut intake of sugar-sweetened drinks, white bread and highly processed meals.

However, the recommendations have drawn mixed reactions from nutrition experts. While many welcomed the strong stance against ultra-processed foods — which currently account for more than half of the average American’s calorie intake — concerns were raised over the renewed endorsement of red meat, butter and full-fat dairy. Critics argue that promoting animal-based proteins alongside advice to limit saturated fat intake to under 10% of daily calories sends conflicting signals. Some public health advocates warned that regular consumption of red meat and saturated fats could increase risks of heart disease if not carefully moderated.

The policy shift has been championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who said the new framework aims to “make America healthy again” and reduce diet-related diseases. He has repeatedly criticised the modern American diet and called for a return to whole, minimally processed foods.

The guidelines also acknowledge the importance of healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts and avocados, though they controversially include butter and beef tallow as acceptable cooking options. Guidance on alcohol consumption remains limited, advising only that Americans should “consume less.”

Nutritionists have also questioned the practicality of the recommendations amid rising food prices, warning that affordability could limit widespread adoption.

The federal dietary guidelines are updated every five years and play a key role in shaping school meal programmes, public health messaging and nutrition policy across the country.