Steak and Butter are Back: The Controversial 2026 US Dietary Guidelines RFK Jr. Unveiled
The 2026 US Dietary Guidelines released by RFK Jr. bring back the food pyramid and recommend more red meat and butter, sparking intense debate among scientists.
The American dinner plate is about to look a lot different—and much heartier. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the USDA released the new . Led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the update has sent shockwaves through the scientific community by championing foods long considered dietary villains.
The 2026 US Dietary Guidelines RFK Jr. Policy Shift
The most striking change is the return of the 'Food Pyramid,' but with a twist. This inverted triangle features red meat, butter, and beef tallow prominently at the top. This marks a radical departure from the 'MyPlate' model used over the last decade, which emphasized portion control and lean proteins.
I think these are pretty harmful dietary recommendations to be making when we have established that those specific foods likely do not have health-promoting benefits.
Nutritionists are particularly worried about the 50% to 100% increase in recommended protein intake, now set at 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. Experts like José Ordovás from Tufts University warn that such high levels could lead to unhealthy consumption of calories and saturated fats.
Science Sidelined: The Opaque Process
Critics argue the new guidelines ignore the 2024 scientific report that was supposed to inform them. Instead, the final document appears to reflect the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement's preferences. While the guidelines do suggest avoiding added sugars and ultra-processed foods, the vague advice on alcohol and the promotion of animal fats have left many researchers disgruntled.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
A comprehensive Lancet review of 43 studies confirms paracetamol (Tylenol) is safe during pregnancy, refuting 2025 claims made by Donald Trump regarding autism risks.
Under HHS Secretary RFK Jr., the FDA has removed its webpage warning against bogus autism treatments. Explore the context of FDA autism treatment warning removal 2026.
The Trump administration's EPA is reportedly planning to exclude human health benefits from air pollution cost-benefit analyses, a major shift in U.S. regulatory policy.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to freeze $10 billion in child care and social aid for 5 states. Read more on PRISM.
A comprehensive Lancet review of 43 studies confirms paracetamol (Tylenol) is safe during pregnancy, refuting 2025 claims made by Donald Trump regarding autism risks.
Under HHS Secretary RFK Jr., the FDA has removed its webpage warning against bogus autism treatments. Explore the context of FDA autism treatment warning removal 2026.
The Trump administration's EPA is reportedly planning to exclude human health benefits from air pollution cost-benefit analyses, a major shift in U.S. regulatory policy.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempt to freeze $10 billion in child care and social aid for 5 states. Read more on PRISM.