What the New Food Pyramid Really Means for You

Nick Howarth

Published on: 08/01/2026

The U.S. government recently released a new version of the country’s dietary guidelines — what many people call the “food pyramid” — and it’s generating buzz for two big reasons: It strongly discourages added sugar and ultra-processed foods It recommends more protein and allows full-fat dairy again But before anyone breaks out a kale smoothie in celebration or dismisses the changes as political posturing, it’s worth asking some honest questions: What does this actually mean for you… and will anything really change?