January 8, 2026, 1:46 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Every five years, a version of the dietary guidelines in the U.S. is released, updated to reflect the latest scientific findings. Typically, these involve minor changes, but the current U.S. Secretary of Health, Kennedy, had different plans: He literally turned the food pyramid upside down. Here’s what I, as a nutrition expert, think about it and the health implications that concern me.
How Is the Food Pyramid Created?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regularly updates the healthy eating recommendations in collaboration with the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These guidelines are meant to help everyone—regardless of factors like age, economic status, or health condition—adjust their food and beverage choices to a healthy diet. The updates are based on reviews of studies and national consumption and health data.
The equivalent in Germany is the German Nutrition Society (DGE), which last updated the nutrition recommendations for Germany in 2024.
The Previous Recommendations
The previous American food pyramid looked like a traditional pyramid: wide base, narrow top. The foundation consisted of carbohydrates like whole grains, followed by plenty of fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of dairy and meat products, and oils, fats, and sweets at the top.1
According to a report by the New York Times, Secretary of Health Kennedy ignored recommendations from an expert panel that had been tasked with overseeing the guidelines during the Biden administration. Instead, he worked with new, handpicked experts. Although Kennedy criticized the previous guidelines for being influenced by the food industry, some of the current experts recently disclosed financial ties to the beef and dairy industries, among others.
These Are the Changes in the New Recommendations
What first catches my eye when looking at the new U.S. dietary guidelines: the page count. The recommendations valid from 2020 to 2025 were 164 pages long—with chapters for each age group—but have been significantly reduced to ten pages. The main message: “Eat real food.” The focus is on “real,” minimally processed foods. At first glance, this doesn’t sound wrong.2
What generally strikes me negatively about the structure is that the pyramid is not very detailed and is confusing. There are essentially only three categories at each corner, and there is no distinction between the food groups. For example, does the avocado belong in the fats or fruits and vegetables category? It has valid properties for both.
The Biggest Change: The Pyramid is Upside Down
The new guidelines aim to prioritize proteins. To illustrate this graphically, the pyramid was rotated 180 degrees and filled at the wide top with meat, cheese, and milk. The text explains that in addition to animal protein sources, plant-based ones like beans or soy should also be consumed. However, graphically, meat and milk dominate. Will this help combat the “Health Emergency” described in the introduction? I doubt it.
Proteins in Abundance
The U.S. has a high rate of chronic diseases. Regarding overweight and obesity, the numbers have risen significantly since 1990: In the ’90s, 21.2 percent of women and 16.9 percent of men were obese, but by 2022, it was a staggering 43.8 and 41.6 percent.3 Overweight is a significant risk factor for diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.
My question: How is an increased intake of meat and dairy products supposed to be helpful here? The new guidelines recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. This is double or more compared to the previous recommendation of 0.8 grams, which also applies in Germany. However, there is no clear scientific evidence that the average person needs that much protein. The DGE recommends increasing protein intake to 1.2–2.0 grams only if exercising more than five hours a week, depending on training goals.4
Moreover, animal protein sources, unlike plant-based ones, provide no fiber, which is crucial for gut health. Plant-based protein sources also offer valuable phytochemicals and heart-friendly unsaturated fatty acids. Too many meat and dairy products, on the other hand, can lead to increased intake of saturated fats and raise the risk of chronic diseases. Red meat, in particular, should be consumed with caution. The World Health Organization classified it as probably carcinogenic to humans in 2015, with processed meat being carcinogenic.5
Also interesting: Is Eating Meat Good or Bad? Study Shows Age-dependent Effects on Life Expectancy
Many Saturated Fats—Plant Oils Are Overlooked
Although there is no scientific evidence, Kennedy has criticized plant oils in the past, such as on the platform X. Is this supposed to legitimize the higher consumption of saturated fats? The new guidelines suggest opting for full-fat versions of dairy products. However, it is clear that plant oils provide valuable unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These help keep our arteries from hardening and remain flexible—goodbye atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. They also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect our cells from damage and premature aging. The brain benefits too: Even half a tablespoon of olive oil can protect against death from dementia.