The American Heart Association has issued a response to the newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, welcoming several science-based recommendations while highlighting specific concerns and outlining its ongoing priorities in nutrition policy and public health education.
The organization commended the guidelines' emphasis on increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting consumption of added sugars, refined grains, highly processed foods, saturated fats, and sugary drinks. These elements align closely with the longstanding dietary guidance of the American Heart Association and other public health authorities.
However, the Association expressed concern that recommendations regarding salt seasoning and red meat consumption could inadvertently lead consumers to exceed recommended limits for sodium and saturated fats, which are primary drivers of cardiovascular disease. While the guidelines highlight whole-fat dairy, the Heart Association encourages consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy products for heart health benefits.
The organization emphasized its commitment to working with the administration to reduce the burden of chronic disease, particularly for the next generation, and to help consumers make healthier choices. This includes promoting healthy dietary patterns that significantly reduce consumption of added sugars and sodium. The Association called for more scientific research on both the appropriate amount of protein consumption and the best protein sources for optimal health, encouraging consumers to prioritize plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats while limiting high-fat animal products including red meat, butter, lard, and tallow.
The American Heart Association highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including its long-standing advocacy for policies to reduce sugary drink consumption despite opposition from the soda industry. The organization is committed to working with the administration to inform the development of an operational definition of ultraprocessed food, building upon the Association's recent science advisory on ultraprocessed foods. The Association also plans to collaborate on initiatives to improve understanding of healthy food's role in preventing and managing chronic disease, including its Health Care by Food and Periodic Table of Food programs.
The organization will issue updated guidance later this year as part of its usual process, supporting the shared goal to provide a robust, science-first roadmap for a healthier America. The Association maintains its commitment to informing the public about healthy eating through resources such as its Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health scientific statement and Healthy Food Facts: Your Guide to Balanced Eating consumer resources.
