The BareStory
The Trump administration released the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans on January 18, 2026, introducing updated federal nutrition standards. Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the new guidance no longer broadly discourages the consumption of full-fat dairy, red meat, butter, and beef tallow, provided they are consumed in moderation. The White House characterized these changes as revisions to prior recommendations rather than a complete reversal.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that the administration was "ending the war on saturated fats," arguing that essential proteins and healthy fats had been incorrectly discouraged. The updated report reclassifies full-fat milk and yogurt as "healthy fats" and lists beef tallow and butter as acceptable cooking fats, though it continues to prioritize unsaturated oils such as olive oil. Additionally, the guidelines suggest consuming a variety of proteins from both animal and plant sources.
Despite the inclusion of these foods, the report maintains specific restrictions, recommending that saturated fat intake remain under 10% of total daily calories. It also advises against highly processed snacks high in saturated fats. The document notes that more high-quality research is needed to fully understand which dietary fats best support long-term health.
Registered dietitian Amy Goldsmith commented that while full-fat dairy and red meat provide essential nutrients like vitamins A, E, K2, and amino acids, portion control is critical. Goldsmith noted that high saturated fat intake is linked to chronic risks such as heart disease and cautioned that items like butter and beef tallow contain high percentages of saturated fat.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
You may incorporate full-fat dairy, red meat, butter, and beef tallow into your diet without discouraged labeling, provided you practice moderation and consume a variety of proteins.
You must still limit saturated fat intake to under 10% of daily calories and avoid highly processed snacks to comply with the updated safety recommendations.
You might need to balance these new classifications with caution, as health experts warn that high saturated fat intake remains linked to chronic risks like heart disease.
You will find that while animal fats are now accepted for cooking, the federal guidance continues to prioritize unsaturated oils such as olive oil.
