The Trump administration unveiled a dramatic overhaul of federal nutrition policy on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, introducing new dietary guidelines.
The guidelines are intended to reshape the iconic food pyramid and encourage greater consumption of protein and full-fat dairy.
The new inverted food pyramid graphic was shared at a White House briefing, placing red meat, cheese and vegetables at its broadest top level.
The guidelines declare an end to the “war on saturated fat” and instead urge Americans to prefer whole foods and “healthy fats” such as olive oil, butter and beef tallow, while strictly limiting ultra-processed foods and added sugars.
Kennedy called the update a historic reset in the fight against chronic disease, saying, “My message is clear: Eat real food.” A person should consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day and three servings of full-fat dairy.
The change has generated mixed reviews. The American Medical Association applauded the focus on limiting processed foods, while the American Heart Association expressed concern that the emphasis on red meat and full-fat dairy could lead to excessive intake of saturated fat.
Nutrition expert Christopher Gardner of Stanford University called the pyramid “disappointing,” arguing that it contradicts decades of evidence.
These guidelines are very significant as they play a critical role in directing meals in schools, on military bases, and in federal aid programs.
In addition to health concerns, the School Nutrition Association immediately raised concerns about the cost and logistical challenge of reducing processed foods in cafeterias, and called for increased funding from Congress.
What health risks are associated with eating red meat?
High consumption of red meat is associated with a significantly increased risk of chronic diseases, such as colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Key dangers come from carcinogens formed during high-temperature cooking, oxidative damage to heme iron, and high levels of saturated fat and sodium. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified unprocessed red meat as “probably carcinogenic.”
