The US government has introduced a revised food pyramid as part of updated dietary guidelines, marking a shift in how official nutrition advice is presented to the public.
The new model places greater emphasis on whole foods and nutrient density, while reducing the prominence of some items that featured more centrally in previous guidance. Officials said the aim was to “flip the narrative” on diet by focusing less on calorie counting and more on food quality and metabolic health.
The changes have drawn mixed reactions from health professionals. Some experts welcomed the move as a clearer and more practical approach to healthy eating, while others cautioned that the new pyramid could oversimplify complex nutritional science or confuse consumers accustomed to earlier guidance.
Supporters of the update argue that evolving research justifies a rethink of long-standing dietary advice, particularly around carbohydrates, fats and protein sources. Critics, however, have called for stronger evidence and clearer messaging to ensure the guidance is accessible and scientifically robust.
The revised pyramid is expected to influence federal nutrition programmes, school meals and public health campaigns, while continuing to fuel debate about the role of government in shaping dietary choices.
