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2.4: Dietary Guidelines and Recommendations

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    For many years, the US government has been encouraging Americans to develop healthful dietary habits.  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have been the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and education in the United States since their first release in 1980. These guidelines are helpful for interpreting DRI values and nutrition research to make personal choices for a healthy diet.  

    2.4.1 Establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

    The formal development of U.S. dietary guidance began in the 1970s, when rising concerns about chronic disease prompted Congress to request nutrition guidance for the public. A major milestone was the publication of the Dietary Goals for the United States in 1977, which laid the groundwork for what would become the Dietary Guidelines.1 

    Beginning in 1980, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly published the first Dietary Guidelines for Americans, fulfilling a federal mandate to provide regular updates based on the latest scientific evidence. The Guidelines have continued to be updated every five years since. 

    The process of establishing the DGA is a structured process driven by scientific studies, systematic reviews of data, and public input. Every five years, USDA and HHS appoint experts in nutrition, medicine, and public health to form the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). The DGAC independently reviews scientific evidence, considers public comments, and submits a report of their findings to the USDA and HHS. Next, the USDA and HHA use the scientific report, federal initiatives, and an additional review of scientific studies, if needed, to develop and release the DGA. Once the DGA are published, they provide guidance for federal nutrition programs, policymakers and health professionals, nutrition education programs, and consumers. In addition, the Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 mandates that every federal agency must promote and apply the Dietary Guidelines when conducting any food, nutrition, or health program.2  

    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): 4.1 Process of establishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (E. Shanle) 

    2.4.2 Changes in Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

    The first edition of the DGA introduced foundation advice on eating a variety of foods with adequate starch and fiber. The original 11-page guidelines published in 1980 recommended Americans focused on seven guidelines (Figure 2.4.2). The guidelines recommended eating a variety of foods, maintaining a healthy weight, eating adequate fiber and starches, and avoiding too much fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, and sodium, and maintaining moderate alcohol consumption for those that drink alcohol.3 These recommendations continued to be the focus of subsequent versions of the guidelines, with expanded guidance on amounts and scientific evidence to support the guidelines. 

    In 1995, the DGA included the Food Guide Pyramid to provide guidance on the recommended number of daily servings from each of the five major food groups, with breads, cereals, rice, and pasta serving as the foundation of the pyramid.4 The seven guiding principles established in 1980 continued to be a focus, but more specific guidance on physical activity was provided for maintaining a healthy weight.  

    In 2000, the 43-page DGA included 10 guidelines: aim for a healthy weight, be physically active each day, let the pyramid guide your food choices, choose a variety of grains and whole grains, choose a variety of fruits and vegetables, keep food safe to eat, limit saturated fats and cholesterol, moderate sugar intake, choose less sodium, and drink in moderation if you drink alcohol.5  

    In 2005, the DGA expanded to a 60-page document that was written for policy makers, educators, and healthcare providers instead of the general public.6 The DGAC took a different approach from previous advisory committees by systematically reviewing scientific evidence centered around specific questions related to dietary guidance. Using an evidence-based analysis, the DGAC provided specific recommendations about food and nutrient intake without exceeding recommended calorie needs.7  

    The next version of the DGA released in 2010 provided a new framework that focused more on dietary patterns than specific nutrients and provided guidance for all individuals over the age of 2, including those at risk for chronic diseases. The 2010 DGA emphasized a healthy eating pattern that included nutrient-dense foods, whole grains, and more fruits and vegetables than previous versions of the guidelines. MyPlate replaced the pyramid graphic with a simple plate-and-cup visual designed to illustrate the recommended proportions of the five food groups—fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy—thereby helping consumers understand and apply principles of variety, balance, and portion control at mealtimes (Figure 2.4.2).8 The 2015 DGA continued to use MyPlate as a visual framework, with new recommended limits on the amounts of added sugars and saturated fats.9 In 2020, the DGA included 130 pages of guidance focused on eating nutrient-dense foods while remaining within recommended calorie limits, similar to previous versions. However, the 2020 DGA included recommendations for infants under the age of 2 for the first time.10  

    In 2025, a major shift in the DGA occurred. After the DGAC submitted the scientific report, a second review committee conducted an independent review of scientific studies related to dietary information. The second review committee published The Scientific Foundation For the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and rejected more than half of the recommendations of the DGAC.11 Unlike the previous versions of the DGA, the 2025 DGA was 9 pages of recommendations designed for the general public. The visual framework for the 2025 DGA also changed significantly (Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\)). Some recommendations remained the same, including an emphasis on eating the right amount of food, eating fruits and vegetables at every meal, incorporating healthy fats, and focusing on whole grains. However, the 2025 DGA provided new emphasis on prioritizing protein at every meal, consuming whole-fat dairy, and limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, refined grains, and alcohol.12  

    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Changes in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Images from USDA Dietary Guidelines.3, 4, 8, 12 (E. Shanle)

    2.4.3 Key Recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    Each version of the DGA provides recommendations based on scientific evidence, federal initiatives, and public health needs. Since 1980, rates of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease have continued to increase in America. Several key recommendations are present in nearly all versions of the DGA to help Americans eat healthier with the goal of reducing the burden of these conditions: 

    • Eat a variety of foods. 

    • Choose nutrient-dense foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

    • Eat within recommended calorie limits. 

    • Limit saturated fats and choose foods with healthy fats. 

    • Limit added sugar intake. 

    • Choose whole grain foods. 

    • Limit alcohol intake if you drink alcohol. 

    2.4.4 Debating the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 

    The Dietary Guidelines for Americans have changed significantly between 1980 and today. Each version of the guidelines has faced criticism and debate. For example, the 2005 DGA recommended three servings of lowfat dairy per day. Some critics argued that this recommendation did not support a healthy diet for most Americans, particularly given the need to manage calorie intake to maintain a healthy weight. In addition, many Americans are lactoseintolerant, and this guidance did not account for their needs.13 The newest version of the guidelines published in 2025 also faces criticism due to the rejection of several DGAC recommendations. The 2025 DGAC recommends significantly more protein than previous guidelines and an emphasis on whole-fat dairy products, which is a concern if individuals should stay within recommended calorie limits.14  However, the 2025 DGA recommends reducing highly processed foods, which is the first time the DGA provides such guidance. You will learn more about the DGA and the science supporting the recommendations in subsequent chapters so you can establish your personal healthy eating habits. 

    Attributions

    References

    1. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Dietary guidelines for Americans: History. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/history 

    2. Mickler, A. K. (2025, April 10). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA): Current status (CRS Report No. IF12963). Congressional Research Service. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12963

    3. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 1980 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/1980%20DGA.pdf

    4. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/1995%20Dietary%20Guidelines%20for%20Americans.pdf

    5. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/2000%20Dietary%20Guidelines%20for%20Americans.pdf

    6. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/2005%20DG%20for%20Americans.pdf

    7. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Final 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/FINAL2005DGACReport.pdf  

    8. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/about-dietary-guidelines/previous-editions/2010-dietary-guidelines

    9. U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans [PDF]. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2019-05/2015-2020_Dietary_Guidelines.pdf

    10. US Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. 9th ed. dietaryguidelines.gov. Published December 2020. Accessed July 22, 2023. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf  

    11. US Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030. Published December 2025. Accessed January 23, 2025.The Scientific Foundation for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 

    12. US Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. 10th ed. dietaryguidelines.gov. Published December 2025. Accessed January 23, 2025. https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf  

    13. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2005, January 30). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005: Two steps forward, one step back. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/2005/01/30/the-dietary-guidelines-for-americans-2005-two-steps-forward-one-step-back/

    14. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2026, January 9). Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030: Progress on added sugar, protein hype, saturated fat contradictions. The Nutrition Source. Retrieved January 23, 2026, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/2026/01/09/dietary-guidelines-for-americans-2025-2030/ 

    This page titled 2.4: Dietary Guidelines and Recommendations is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jan Dowell and Erin Shanle (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)) .