U.S. cracks down on processed foods and alcohol in bold new dietary guidelines
The U.S. government has released its latest dietary advice for the nation. On January 7, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). This updated version is notably shorter—just 10 pages—yet introduces stricter recommendations on processed foods, alcohol, and children’s diets.
The new guidelines take a firmer stance on ultra-processed and highly processed foods (UPFs and HFPs). For the first time, they explicitly warn about the health risks linked to these products. Parents are now advised to avoid giving UPFs and HFPs to infants and young children.
Alcohol recommendations have also shifted. Instead of setting daily or weekly limits, the DGAs now state that 'less alcohol is better for overall health'. This marks a clear departure from previous numeric guidelines. The advice on beverages has tightened as well. While fruit and vegetable juices remain part of the diet, the guidelines suggest consuming them in small amounts or diluting them with water. This reflects concerns over added sugars and reduced fibre intake from juices. The shorter format—around 10 pages—makes the document more concise than earlier editions. Despite its brevity, the guidelines could shape federal nutrition programmes, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies, and legal actions around misleading 'health halo' claims on food packaging. Globally, countries like the UK, Germany, and France already face challenges with high UPF consumption in school meals and public catering. Major corporations such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, and supermarket chains like Edeka and Lidl hold significant influence in these systems. However, the U.S. guidelines do not directly address industry-specific policies or corporate involvement in nutrition programmes.
The 2025-2030 DGAs bring clearer warnings about processed foods and alcohol. Their impact may extend to federal food policies, regulatory enforcement, and public health messaging. The simplified format aims to make the advice more accessible while targeting key areas of concern in American diets.
