A panel of nutrition specialists has recently recommended that Americans increase their consumption of beans, peas, and lentils, while advising a reduction in the intake of red and processed meats, as well as starchy vegetables. This guidance also emphasizes the importance of limiting added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats as part of a healthy diet. These insights were revealed as the panel prepares for the new 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will be foundational for federal food policies and initiatives.

However, the panel did not address the rising concern surrounding ultraprocessed foods, which are often linked to various health issues. They concluded that the existing research does not provide sufficient evidence to recommend avoidance of these foods. Furthermore, the panel opted not to update the guidelines concerning alcohol consumption, deferring that aspect to two independent reports that are anticipated to come out soon.

Experts like Marion Nestle, a prominent voice in food policy, noted that the latest recommendations for 2025-2030 echo those from previous decades. Nestle highlighted that the guidelines emphasize eating vegetables and reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake, without addressing the pressing issue of calorie overload, especially from ultraprocessed sources, which poses significant health challenges for the population.

In terms of dietary recommendations, the panel emphasized that individuals aged two and above should adopt a diet richer in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, fish, and unsaturated fats from vegetable oils. The guidance advocates for a reduction in red and processed meats, sugar-laden products, refined grains, and saturated fats. It also allows for low-fat dairy options and encourages the inclusion of plant-based foods in daily meals. The panel took an innovative approach by considering health equity, as noted by Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, who explained that factors like income, race, and culture were factored into these dietary recommendations to ensure wider applicability across diverse population groups.

Despite analyzing over 40 studies—including some establishing correlations between ultraprocessed foods and obesity—the panel determined that the research quality was lacking, thus preventing definitive conclusions on the matter. This stance may conflict with views from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the prospective head of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, who has expressed skepticism about the panel’s integrity and pledged to take action against the influence of ultraprocessed foods in chronic diseases.

The panel also refrained from changing the previous guidelines that recommend men limit alcohol intake to two drinks and women to one drink per day. When the guidelines were last revised in 2020, a suggestion from scientific advisors to lower alcohol consumption was dismissed. Two external groups—the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and a governmental committee overseeing substance abuse—are expected to publish their findings on moderate alcohol use soon, which will guide future recommendations.

The panel acknowledged that most Americans fail to adhere to existing dietary guidelines. The report indicates that over half of U.S. adults suffer from one or more diet-related chronic illnesses, and around 18 million households grapple with food insecurity. The report warns that such nutrition-related health challenges pose serious risks for the future well-being of the country.

Next, this scientific assessment will contribute to the formulation of the updated dietary guidelines that occur every five years. The current recommendations will be reviewed by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, who will draft the final version to be released next year. Beginning Wednesday, there will be a 60-day period for public commentary on the proposed guidelines, with a public meeting scheduled for January 16 to further discuss these recommendations. Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted that these recommendations are in line with decades-long federal initiatives aimed at combating diet-related diseases. He expressed hope that the forthcoming administration will adopt these well-articulated guidelines.