If you’ve seen headlines about the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans and feel confused, you’re not alone. Updated every five years, these guidelines shape what Americans are told to eat and serve as the foundation for nutrition advice delivered by healthcare professionals, schools, workplaces, and federal food programs nationwide. Because of their broad reach, even subtle changes in messaging can have a meaningful impact on public understanding of healthy eating.

The purpose of the Dietary Guidelines is to translate nutrition science into practical, evidence-based recommendations that support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. To do this, an independent panel of experts—the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee—reviews thousands of peer-reviewed studies and produces a comprehensive scientific report. Historically, this report has served as the backbone for the final guidelines issued by the federal government.

In the most recent cycle, the advisory committee released clear and largely consistent conclusions grounded in decades of research. However, several of these findings were reframed in ways that do not fully represent the strength or direction of the evidence. Even so, the guidelines still get many of the fundamentals right. A large body of research continues to support eating mostly whole, minimally processed foods; prioritizing vegetables and fruit; choosing whole grains over refined grains; limiting added sugars and excess sodium; drinking mostly water; and keeping alcohol intake low. These dietary patterns are repeatedly associated with improved metabolic health, lower rates of chronic disease, and increased longevity.

Where the guidance is less aligned with the evidence is in how certain foods are emphasized and positioned within the overall dietary framework. The updated guidelines elevate recommended daily protein intake despite no widespread protein deficiency among Americans. At the same time, foods with strong and consistent links to long-term health—such as whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and fruit—are deemphasized and placed lower on the dietary pyramid. This shift risks reinforcing the idea that protein is the primary nutritional priority, rather than one component of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

Additionally, messaging around saturated fat remains mixed, creating confusion rather than clarity for consumers. The omission of explicit guidance on processed meats is particularly notable, as there is robust evidence linking their regular consumption to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Leaving this evidence unaddressed represents a missed opportunity for meaningful public health guidance.

When we zoom out, the broader pattern remains unmistakable. Across cultures and populations, those with the lowest rates of chronic disease consistently consume diets rich in plant-based, whole foods, with minimal reliance on ultra-processed products. Regardless of how the guidelines are framed or rearranged, the underlying science has not changed—and the path to better health remains grounded in the same foundational principles.