The Dietary Guidelines for Americans: A Blueprint for Better Health
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) are the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and education in the United States. Jointly issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) every five years, these guidelines provide science-based advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs. The most recent edition, the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines, represents the ninth edition and reflects the latest evidence on nutrition and public health.
A Lifespan Approach
For the first time, the 2020–2025 guidelines adopt a lifespan approach, offering dietary recommendations for all life stages—from infancy through older adulthood. This change recognizes that nutritional needs vary across age groups and that establishing healthy eating patterns early in life can have long-term health benefits.
According to the USDA, one of the core messages of the guidelines is that “every bite counts.” Even small shifts in food choices can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes over time.
Four Key Guidelines
The 2020–2025 edition emphasizes four overarching guidelines for Americans to follow:
- Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage.
- Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.
- Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits.
- Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.
These guidelines serve as a framework for building healthy eating habits that support physical and mental well-being.
Nutrient-Dense Foods and Patterns
A central recommendation of the DGA is to prioritize nutrient-dense foods, which provide vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances with relatively few calories. These include:
- Vegetables of all types and colors
- Fruits, especially whole fruits
- Grains, with at least half being whole grains
- Dairy, including low-fat or fat-free options
- Protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds
- Oils, particularly those high in unsaturated fats
These foods should be consumed in appropriate portion sizes as part of a healthy dietary pattern, which refers to the totality of what individuals consume over time, rather than focusing on individual nutrients or foods in isolation.
What to Limit
To improve public health and reduce the burden of diet-related chronic diseases, the guidelines recommend limiting:
- Added sugars: Less than 10% of daily calories for those aged 2 and older.
- Saturated fats: Also less than 10% of daily calories.
- Sodium: Fewer than 2,300 milligrams per day for adults and less for children.
- Alcohol: If consumed, it should be in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Despite calls from some nutrition experts and advocacy groups to reduce the recommended intake of added sugars further (to below 6%), the 10% benchmark remained unchanged in this edition.
Implications for Policy and Programs
The Dietary Guidelines influence a wide array of federal programs and policies, including:
- School meal programs
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program)
- Military rations
- Healthcare provider recommendations
Public health campaigns and food industry reformulations also frequently draw from the principles established in the DGA to align their offerings with national recommendations.
Criticisms and Limitations
While widely respected, the Dietary Guidelines have faced some criticism. Critics argue that certain recommendations are influenced by industry lobbying and fail to reflect the most aggressive targets for reducing chronic disease. For instance, the decision not to lower the added sugar limit from 10% to 6%, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, sparked debate about political pressure on scientific guidelines.
Others note that while the guidelines provide a strong scientific foundation, translating them into behavior change remains a challenge, particularly in communities facing food insecurity or limited access to healthy food options.
Looking Ahead
The next edition of the Dietary Guidelines is scheduled for release in 2025, and public engagement and scientific research are already underway. The USDA and HHS are committed to maintaining a transparent, evidence-based process that considers emerging science and public health needs.
With rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases in the U.S., the Dietary Guidelines for Americans remain an essential public health tool. When implemented through education, food policies, and community support, they can help guide the nation toward a healthier future.
