New 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Place Emphasis on Plant Proteins, Potentially Saving Hundreds of Thousands of Lives

The new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are expected to place greater emphasis on plant-based proteins, shifting away from animal-derived proteins like meat, eggs, and dairy. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recommends prioritizing plant-based foods to reduce saturated fat intake, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives each year from diet-related diseases. Legumes like beans, peas, and lentils will be officially recognized as protein sources, dispelling misconceptions about obtaining protein on a vegan diet.

In addition to promoting plant-based proteins, the committee advises limiting saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories and replacing higher-fat animal products with lower-fat, plant-based alternatives. The report also recommends water as the primary beverage, reducing the emphasis on dairy consumption, especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant. The recommendations are based on scientific research and expert input, with the public having 60 days to provide feedback on the report before the final guidelines are issued.