For years, sugar has been quietly overlooked within the U.S. federal nutrition guidelines. While fat and carbohydrates have had their time in the spotlight in previous guidelines, sugar itself has often been viewed as a small indulgence instead of a true health concern. Recent changes to the federal nutrition guidelines suggest that the hands-off approach with sugar may finally be coming to an end.

The United States publishes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) every five years. These guidelines have historically been established by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The new DGA for the years 2025-2030 focuses on the overall message of “eating real food.” By shifting to a stronger emphasis on limiting added sugar intake in the diet, this marks a pivotal shift in the guidelines that drive American nutrition.

The DGA extends beyond individual nutrition choices and helps shape nutrition policies and public health efforts nationwide. Whenever these nutrition standards change, they influence what types of foods are being served in institutions that feed millions of Americans on a daily basis—nursing homes, schools, etc. Although these guidelines may not immediately change the way the average American eats, their ripple effect could be significant. They will help to drive meaningful shifts in food labeling........

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