Lexology January 9, 2026
On January 7, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the highly anticipated 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). At roughly 10 pages, down from more than 160 in prior editions, the new DGAs introduce notable changes, including targeting ultra-processed foods (UPFs), emphasizing higher protein and full-fat dairy consumption, and removing the numeric limits for recommended alcohol consumption. The DGAs clearly reflect long-telegraphed administration priorities.
Below are some key observations:
1. Continued Focus on Ultra-/Highly-Processed Foods
Perhaps the most obvious, and least surprising, policy signal is the continued emphasis on UPFs and the DGAs’ explicit call to limit these products. The guidelines also introduce the term “highly processed foods”...
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