Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans contains the federal government's basic healthy eating advice for its citizens, and forms the basis of many federal, state, and local nutrition policies.

Updated once every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human services. The current edition, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was released on December 29, 2020.

A chart mapping changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans from 1980 through 2020.
US Department of Agriculture & US Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, editions 1-9. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov

Much of the Dietary Guidelines' core advice has remained consistent over the last 40 years. It typically calls on Americans to consume more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, and less refined grains, added sugars, salt, and fatty meat.

While some have actually blamed the Dietary Guidelines for public health problems, the truth is that Americans have not, or do they now, eat according to the Guidelines. That's why we support policies to help Americans eat healthy diets that are more in line with the government's generally sensible advice.

Frequently asked questions about the Dietary Guidelines

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) is the most powerful scientific document that too few Americans have heard of. Below, read about the role of the DGA in our nation's health.

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Key takeaways from the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Overall, the 2020-2025 DGA recommends eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, protein foods (including beans and nuts), whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy foods, and unsaturated vegetable oils, and that limits saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. The core elements of this healthy eating pattern can be modified to accommodate one's budget, cultural traditions, and personal preferences.

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