The guidelines could feed into the booming interest in protein consumption in the U.S. Despite eating more protein than many other countries—especially meat—most Americans say they want to increase the amount of protein in their diets. Major food chains are heeding the call.

The Trump administration published new dietary guidelines for the U.S. on Wednesday, encouraging Americans to consume less ultra-processed foods through guidance aligning with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform.

The new dietary guidelines call for prioritizing high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods to avoid or limit are highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates and added sugars. The "food pyramid" has literally been turned upside down.

The revamped food pyramid faces scrutiny, as USDA's National Nutrition Advisor Dr. Ben Carson says Americans don’t need to eat meat to stay healthy.

The food pyramid is getting turned upside down, with protein and dairy gaining more prominence in the suggested American diet. Sugar and processed foods are getting shunned even more with warning labels.

Nutrition and diet experts say red meat and full-fat dairy can be part of a heathy diet, but they also can be high in sodium and saturated fats.

Chains from Dunkin' to Subway are opening the year with protein-packed launches as the trend pushes deeper into everyday menus. Why it matters: Protein is having a restaurant menu moment — and it's getting bigger.

Protein helps you build muscle and even powers the immune system. But it’s not always easy to get enough, especially if you follow a plant-based diet.

Americans are eating more protein than ever, but choosing the “right” one isn’t so simple. A 2025 study found that no single protein delivers on health, cost, taste, and sustainability, since every option has trade-offs.