The updated guidelines advocate for Americans to consume protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, while discouraging highly processed products with refined sugars, refined fats, artificial ingredients and long, complex ingredient lists. Dairy products, in particular, are recommended as part of a balanced dietary pattern, with three servings daily and a focus on full-fat options without added sugars.

In official USDA communications highlighted by the cooperative, Secretary Brooke Rollins underscored that this policy realignment aims to support farmers and ranchers by reconnecting nutrition guidance with “real food” production and agricultural supply. This narrative ties federal nutrition priorities directly to domestic agricultural output and rural economic vitality.

Heidi Fischer, President of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, framed the dairy inclusion as validation for farmers’ long-standing messaging on nutrient density and the value of whole dairy foods. She noted that dairy’s package of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and high-quality protein aligns with consumer and public health priorities, and expressed optimism that the dairy sector can help “make America healthy again” through robust milk, cheese and yogurt consumption.