New Dietary Guidelines emphasize whole foods and child nutrition

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, outlining a shift in federal nutrition policy toward whole, minimally processed foods and age-specific dietary recommendations. The updated guidance, released by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, places renewed emphasis on food-based approaches to health and includes expanded recommendations for infants, children, adolescents, and other population groups.¹ Pediatric organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have publicly supported the focus on child nutrition included in the new guidelines.²

Updated dietary guidelines address chronic disease burden

According to the agencies, the updated guidelines respond to ongoing public health challenges related to diet and chronic disease in the United States. Federal officials noted that nearly 90% of health care spending is directed toward treatment of chronic disease, much of which is associated with diet and lifestyle factors. National data cited in the release indicate that more than 70% of US adults are overweight or obese and that nearly one in three adolescents has prediabetes. Officials also linked diet-related chronic disease to broader societal impacts, including military readiness.

“These Guidelines return us to the basics,” Secretary Kennedy said. “American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

Whole foods emphasized as foundation of nutrition policy

The 2025–2030 guidelines emphasize simple dietary patterns intended to be adaptable across populations. Core recommendations include prioritizing protein at every meal, consuming full-fat dairy products without added sugars, eating vegetables and fruits throughout the day in whole forms, incorporating healthy fats from whole-food sources such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados, and focusing on whole grains while reducing refined carbohydrates. Additional guidance advises limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, artificial additives, and alcohol consumption, while choosing water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration.

Life-stage nutrition guidance expanded in 2025–2030 update

The guidelines also reintroduce food-centered educational tools and emphasize tailoring intake based on age, sex, body size, and activity level. Population-specific recommendations address the nutritional needs of infants and children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating individuals, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and people following vegetarian or vegan dietary patterns.

AAP supports focus on pediatric nutrition guidance

The AAP commended the inclusion of pediatric-focused guidance and the alignment with its existing evidence-based policies. “The AAP recognizes the importance of the DGAs’ clear focus on child nutrition guidance that supports healthy eating patterns for children, with a focus on whole, minimally processed foods,” said AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP.

Infant feeding recommendations emphasize breast milk and whole foods

For infants, the guidelines recommend exclusive consumption of breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula for the first six months of life when breast milk is not available. Infant formula should be discontinued at 12 months of age, at which point whole milk is recommended. During complementary feeding, infants should be introduced to a variety of nutrient-dense foods in developmentally appropriate textures, while avoiding nutrient-poor and highly processed foods. Examples include meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruits, full-fat yogurt and cheese, whole grains, legumes, and nut- or seed-containing foods prepared safely.

“Every day, pediatricians support families in developing healthy eating habits, and we commend the DGAs’ inclusion of the Academy’s evidence-based policy related to breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods, caffeine avoidance and limits on added sugars,” Racine said. “Pediatricians are committed to public policies that promote healthy eating and ensure all children have access to affordable and nutritious food.”

Dietary guidance for children and adolescents targets long-term health

The guidance acknowledges developmental factors in early childhood, noting that children may require repeated exposure—often eight to 10 times—before accepting new foods. For children aged 5 to 10 years, the guidelines recommend diets centered on protein foods, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains, while avoiding added sugars and caffeinated beverages. Water and unsweetened beverages are recommended to support hydration.

Adolescents aged 11 to 18 years are identified as having increased nutritional needs due to rapid growth, particularly for energy, protein, calcium, and iron. The guidelines emphasize adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to support peak bone mass and recommend limiting sugary drinks, energy drinks, and highly processed foods. Adolescents are also encouraged to participate in food shopping and preparation to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

Nutrition policy initiatives target schools and food access

Federal officials highlighted the role of nutrition in addressing pediatric obesity and metabolic risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20% of US children and adolescents have obesity, and one in three adolescents has prediabetes. The agencies stated that healthier dietary patterns established early in life may reduce chronic disease prevalence and long-term health care costs.

In addition to dietary guidance, the administration outlined policy initiatives aimed at improving access to healthier foods. Secretary Rollins emphasized school meals as a priority, stating, “The school lunch is often the best place for our children to get the healthiest meal.” She also announced planned updates to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stocking standards to increase the availability of healthier foods in underserved communities.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every 5 years and were last released in 2020. The 2025–2030 edition represents a renewed emphasis on whole foods and life-stage–specific nutrition, with implications for clinical counseling and public health policy.

References

1. HHS. Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health. HHS. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/historic-reset-federal-nutrition-policy.html
2. Schering S. New dietary guidelines include AAP recommendations on breastfeeding, limits on added sugars. AAP. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 8, 2026. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/34132/New-dietary-guidelines-include-AAP-recommendations?searchresult=1?autologincheck=redirected