Remember the food pyramid? It may be coming back Image By HPN staff Key Points HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is signaling a major overhaul of federal dietary guidance, possibly bringing back a simplified visual tool like the food pyramid to support the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. While nonbinding, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans strongly influence school lunches, military meals, and private-sector food formulation, giving the revisions substantial real-world impact. Supporters see the update as a lever to reduce ultra-processed foods and additives, while critics warn that sidelining evidence-based nutrition research could undermine public health credibility. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has signaled a major update to U.S. dietary guidance, potentially reviving the iconic food pyramid as part of a broader effort to improve national health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, revised every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS, outline what constitutes a healthy diet and influence school lunches, military meals and other federally guided nutrition programs. The guidelines have taken multiple forms over the years, including the food pyramid, which aimed to make nutrition recommendations more understandable for the public. An HHS spokesperson said the new rules will be a “big part” of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda and “will address the chronic disease epidemic plaguing our nation, by prioritizing whole, healthy and nutritious foods.” Why it matters Experts see this as an opportunity for Kennedy to pressure food and beverage companies to adopt MAHA practices, such as eliminating certain food additives. But some warn that the approach could sideline evidence-based nutrition research. “The biggest impact he can have on food in America is what's in the dietary guidelines,” said Jerold Mande, former deputy undersecretary of agriculture and CEO of Nourish Science. The upcoming visual guide is expected to emphasize protein and whole foods, reflecting a broader plan to steer Americans away from artificial colors, ultra-processed foods and other additives. Changes could also influence consumption of saturated fat and alcohol, two areas where U.S. diets often fall short of recommended limits. Currently, studies show that 86% of Americans’ diets do not align with existing dietary guidance, highlighting a persistent gap between federal recommendations and real-world eating habits. The big picture While dietary guidelines themselves are nonbinding, they carry wide-reaching influence. Schools, government institutions and even private companies often use them to shape menus and products. Kennedy’s anticipated framework comes amid growing public concern over chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, conditions often linked to diet. The success of MAHA within the new guidelines will depend on aligning public health objectives with practical implementation, while keeping the guidelines rooted in credible, evidence-based science. SUGGESTED STORIES States move to counter new threats to food, water supplies Growing risks to public food and water supplies are forcing states to pursue protective action. Lawmakers and government agencies are expanding biosecurity efforts and better agricultural practices through increased funding and taking legislative action regarding disease surveillance and p Read more Red dye, red flags: Food colors under fresh scrutiny Artificial food dyes — long used to brighten snacks, cereals and drinks — are facing growing pressure from regulators, researchers and food companies alike. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in April that they will phase ou Read more Dairy sector joins voluntary food dye ban The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is joining food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and other organizations in eliminating food dyes from its products. The dyes they plan to remove include Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Read more
States move to counter new threats to food, water supplies Growing risks to public food and water supplies are forcing states to pursue protective action. Lawmakers and government agencies are expanding biosecurity efforts and better agricultural practices through increased funding and taking legislative action regarding disease surveillance and p Read more
Red dye, red flags: Food colors under fresh scrutiny Artificial food dyes — long used to brighten snacks, cereals and drinks — are facing growing pressure from regulators, researchers and food companies alike. The Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in April that they will phase ou Read more
Dairy sector joins voluntary food dye ban The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is joining food manufacturers, retailers, restaurants and other organizations in eliminating food dyes from its products. The dyes they plan to remove include Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Read more
