NEW U.S. NUTRITION GUIDELINES INTRODUCE AN INVERTED PYRAMID

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released the new U.S nutrition guidelines, providing updated recommendations on dietary patterns for the U.S. population.

In contrast to the traditional pyramid, this version presents an inverted pyramid, giving more visual prominence to certain foods groups. At the top are proteins, full-fat dairy products, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits, while whole grains are placed at the bottom. Nutrition experts note that this distribution may be confusing, as it does not directly reflect the written recommendations in the guidelines.

One key change is the increased recommended protein intake, now set at 1.2-1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, higher than the approximately 0.8 grams per kilogram established in international recommendations for the general population. Although the guidelines highlight the importance of consuming both animal- and plant-based proteins, the pyramid emphasizes animal-based sources. Additionally, it encourages the consumption of full-fat dairy products, compared with previous guidelines that prioritized skim or low-fat options.

The guidelines also recommend prioritizing healthy fats, particularly from oils containing essential fatty acids, such as olive oil. Whole grains, although receiving less visual emphasis, should still be prioritized over refined carbohydrates, with a suggested intake of two to four servings per day. A daily intake of three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit is also recommended.

Regarding added sugars, the guidelines state that their consumption is not recommended as part of a healthy diet. A meal should contain no more than 10 grams, and added sugars should be avoided in infancy and early childhood.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 [Internet]. 9 Jan 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 23].