The United States government has released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which among other things, prioritizes protein at every meal.
The new guidelines were announced January 7 by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
“This edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans will reset federal nutrition policy, putting our families and children first as we move towards a healthier nation,” Rollins said in a press release. “At long last, we are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers, and companies that grow and produce real food. Farmers and ranchers are at the forefront of the solution, and that means more protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains on American dinner tables.”
According to a press release from the federal government, the guidelines emphasize simple, flexible guidance rooted in modern nutrition science. The highlights of the guidelines include:
- Prioritize protein at every meal
- Consume full-fat dairy with no added sugars
- Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day, focusing on whole forms
- Incorporate healthy fats from whole foods such as meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados
- Focus on whole grains, while sharply reducing refined carbohydrates
- Limit highly processed foods, added sugars, and artificial additives
- Eat the right amount for you, based on age, sex, size, and activity level
- Choose water and unsweetened beverages to support hydration
- Limit alcohol consumption for better overall health
“These guidelines return us to the basics,” 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.”
Industry organizations applaud new guidelines
The National Chicken Council (NCC) expressed support for the new guidelines, which specifically recommend consuming a variety of animal proteins, including poultry.
“It’s abundantly clear that chicken is a lean and affordable protein that can help all Americans across all stages of life meet the new dietary guidelines,” said Ashley Peterson, Ph.D., NCC senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs. “We’re pleased the administration took a science-based and common-sense approach to healthy eating and rejected recommendations put forth by the previous Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) that emphasized plant-based proteins over lean meats like chicken, as evidenced in the new Food Pyramid.”
National Turkey Federation (NTF) President and CEO Leslee Oden expressed similar thoughts.
“The National Turkey Federation (NTF) applauds the work of USDA and HHS in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all Americans. The DGA’s emphasis on animal protein as a cornerstone of healthy, balanced dietary patterns aligns with our shared goal of helping American families thrive through practical, affordable and accessible nutrition guidance,” she said.
"Turkey plays an important role in helping Americans meet the key nutritional goals outlined in the Dietary Guidelines. As a lean, nutrient-dense protein, turkey is naturally low in fat and rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids and important vitamins and minerals. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of meals and dietary patterns, whether served as a traditional roast, prepared on the grill, eaten on a sandwich or incorporated into everyday dishes.”
Also cheering on the measure was Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts and United Egg Producers (UEP) President and CEO Chad Gregory.
“We are pleased the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans prioritize protein and that families can get that protein from nutrient dense meat and poultry. Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the Dietary Guidelines making it clear that meat is a protein powerhouse which plays a vital role in healthy diets,” said Potts. “Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan.”
“America’s egg farmers are proud to produce eggs – a healthy, natural food with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are important, and we appreciate the recognition of the value of eggs in the 2026 guidelines, which make both whole foods and protein a priority, said Gregory. “One egg alone has six grams of protein, and the protein quality of an egg is so high, that eggs are often used as the standard for measuring the protein value of other foods. U.S. egg producers are grateful for the continued support of the egg industry by USDA, HHS and the administration.”
