The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduced by the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services have drawn criticism for promoting the consumption of meat and dairy while downplaying the risks associated with these foods. Health advocates argue that the guidelines fail to adequately warn about the health risks of saturated fats from animal products and have excluded favorable categorization for plant-based options. The new visual model presented, an inverted food pyramid, raises concerns as it elevates animal-based proteins and full-fat dairy to the top while plant-based foods are given less emphasis at the base.

Critics, including organizations like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and industry groups representing the plant-based food sector, are concerned about the lack of recognition for the health benefits of plant-based options and the influence of powerful agricultural lobbies on federal nutrition policy. They emphasize the importance of promoting plant-based proteins like tofu, legumes, and seeds as nutritionally adequate alternatives that can address public health challenges more effectively.