“Eat Healthy Your Way”: Experts welcome advice to prioritize plant proteins in new US dietary guidelines

National dietary guidelines increasingly recognize the health benefits of consuming plant-based protein over animal-based options. In the US, a new Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) now also recommends including more nutrient-dense plant-based meals in the country’s dietary recommendations.

The report’s evidence-based findings and advice, public comments and federal agency input are the foundation for the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will develop these guidelines, which are expected for late 2025.

The committee combines its advice in a proposed “Eat Healthy Your Way” dietary pattern — an inclusive, flexible dietary pattern that includes daily or weekly amounts from key food groups and components.

In addition to prioritizing plant-based protein, the committee recommends limiting the intake of red and processed meats, refined grains and foods high in added sugars, saturated fat or sodium while emphasizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low- or nonfat dairy and unsaturated fats. 

The DGAC also recommends plain drinking water as people’s primary beverage and asks future committees to consider examining the association of ultra-processed foods with growth, body composition and obesity risk. 

HHS and USDA have opened a 60-day public comment period. 

Plant-based dietary pattern

The researchers examined the relationship between diet and health throughout the lifespan, considering various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity risk. The committee integrated evidence and public comments into draft dietary patterns, which it evaluated for dietary intake variation through diet simulations. 

Based on available evidence, the committee has identified a healthy dietary pattern consistently related to beneficial health that is “higher in vegetables, fruits, legumes (i.e., beans, peas, lentils), nuts, whole grains, fish/seafood and vegetable oils higher in unsaturated fat, and lower in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, refined grains and saturated fat.” 

Moreover, the committee adds that some of these patterns also include consuming fat-free or low-fat dairy and foods lower in sodium and may include plant-based dietary options. 

A healthy dietary pattern is higher in vegetables, fruits, legumes like beans and lentils, nuts, whole grains, fish/seafood and unsaturated fat.Across Europe, several countries have adapted their national dietary guidelines to prioritize plant-based foods. For example, Germany recommends eating at least 75% plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, plant proteins and whole grains. 

Similarly, Norway, Austria and Finland also adapted their national recommendations in 2024 to focus on varied diets that are high in plants and have limited meat or dairy products. Last year, the Dutch Health Council urged its government to push for a 60:40 ratio of plant-to-animal protein.

Improving the status quo

The report notes that all US individuals can benefit from shifting to healthier dietary patterns, as few consume a diet that aligns with Dietary Guidelines recommendations. 

According to the committee, US citizens consume insufficient foods and nutrients that are beneficial to their health, such as fruits and vegetables, protein, fiber and various vitamins. At the same time, they consumed too much added sugar, saturated fat and sodium. 

In addition to the recommended amounts and types of foods, the report also highlights that a combination of dietary strategies and behavioral modifications is needed to effectively promote healthy dietary patterns. 

For example, the committee suggests that the USDA and HHS recommend that adults and children consume smaller portions of foods and beverages high in energy density and low in nutrient density. Moreover, the report recommends nutrient-dense snacks and regular breakfasts aligned with the Dietary Guidelines. 

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra highlights that the Dietary Guidelines serve as the foundation for nutrition programs, standards and education to help people choose a healthy diet overall. 

“This report will help to ensure that the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines is based on current scientific evidence and medical knowledge and that future guidelines factor in socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity and culture.”

The “Eat Healthy Your Way” dietary pattern aims to be inclusive and flexible, including daily or weekly amounts from key foods and nutrients.Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, says the committee’s advice “would strengthen the Dietary Guidelines.” He recommends the USDA and HHS follow these evidence-based recommendations despite “inevitable” opposition from the food industry. 

“The incoming administration would do well to adopt the committee’s recommendations in their current form. If followed, they have the potential to encourage US citizens to eat better.” 

Dr. Anna Herby, nutrition education specialist with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, adds that the recommendations, if adopted, “would help mitigate the epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer that are linked to the saturated fat and other harmful ingredients in meat and other animal products.”

Health equity lens

In its latest scientific report, the DGAC highlights the importance of “health equity” — where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. By prioritizing this concept, the committee aims to promote healthy dietary behaviors and patterns for individuals, families and organizations across different environments and contexts where constraints to choose healthy foods may exist. 

The committee reviewed available evidence through a health equity lens to develop the report, considering socioeconomic position, race, ethnicity and cultural factors. 

The resulting “Eat Healthy Your Way” dietary plan would replace the three current USDA patterns — “Healthy US Style,” “Healthy Mediterranean Style” and “Healthy Vegetarian.” This plan builds on prior committees but is more flexible and inclusive so that “all US individuals with their diverse backgrounds and foodways can achieve the goal of eating a healthy dietary pattern.”

According to the committee, meeting the plan’s nutrient requirements is possible considering the wide variety of foods consumed in the US, including those from Native American and Alaskan diets.