CHICAGO, IL, January 9, 2026 — The American Nutrition Association (ANA) acknowledges the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 (DGAs) and recognizes progress made in some areas. 

We applaud the strong focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber, as well as recommendations to reduce added sugars and highly processed foods. The increased attention to fiber intake, microbiome health, and the role of lowered carbohydrates in reversing some chronic diseases marks a meaningful advancement toward improving metabolic health and supporting healthier lives for all Americans. 

Of concern, however, is the placement of red meat and dairy products at the “top of the chart”, appearing above foods representing a Mediterranean diet, which has the largest body of evidence in preventing and treating chronic disease. 

These concerns are reinforced by internal inconsistencies within the guidelines themselves. While the DGAs continue to recommend limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 10% of total calories, they simultaneously emphasize foods such as butter, beef tallow, red meat, and full-fat dairy, all of which are high in saturated fat. 

“We welcome the updated Dietary Guidelines’ strong emphasis on whole foods, however a schema stressing red meat and dairy foods above those representing a Mediterranean diet such as omega 3 fish, olive oil, avocadoes, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds is not congruent with current nutrition research,” said Corinne Bush, MS, CNS, CEO of the American Nutrition Association.  

The ANA is committed to advancing evidence-informed, personalized nutrition and supporting healthcare professionals in delivering nutrition care that reflects both scientific rigor and individual needs. These guidelines represent an important step in refocusing real food, and personalized nutrition professionals remain essential in helping individuals adapt to them effectively to support long-term health and chronic disease prevention.