At a Glance
- New federal guidelines raise daily protein target to 100 grams for adults, up from about 54 grams
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the change ends “the war on protein”
- Experts warn Americans already consume enough and extra intake may boost diabetes risk
- Why it matters: The shift could fuel sales of protein-packed processed foods despite unclear health benefits
The U.S. government has dramatically increased its recommended daily protein intake, telling Americans to double their consumption and prioritize protein at every meal. The new guidelines released Wednesday advise adults to eat 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, pushing the daily total to at least 100 grams-roughly double the previous 0.8 grams per kilogram standard.
New Guidelines Emphasize Animal Protein
The updated dietary advice, unveiled by the Trump administration, includes a redesigned food pyramid that spotlights red meat, whole milk and other animal sources. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared on social media, “We are ending the war on protein,” echoing the administration’s broader pivot toward animal-based foods.
Under the new framework:
- At least half of daily protein should come from animal sources
- The average adult man already consumes about 100 grams per day
- A 150-pound person previously needed about 54 grams; the new range equals 82-109 grams
Scientific Rationale Behind the Increase
Federal scientists based the change on a review of 30 studies examining higher-protein diets and their effects on weight management and nutrient adequacy. The accompanying scientific report argued that earlier recommendations were designed only to prevent deficiency, not to optimize muscle mass or metabolic function.
“It represents the lowest intake that maintains equilibrium in most healthy adults but does not reflect the intake required to maintain optimal muscle mass or metabolic function under all conditions,” the review stated. The new guidance concludes that protein intakes “well above” the old targets “are safe and compatible with good health.”
Experts Challenge the Protein Push
Leading nutrition researchers question the necessity of the increase, noting that most Americans already exceed even the new targets. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University summarized the concern:
“If you’re actively building muscle with strength or resistance training, more protein can help. Otherwise, you’re getting enough.”
Mozaffarian, writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association, warned that excess dietary protein can be converted to fat by the liver, potentially increasing abdominal fat and diabetes risk. He emphasized that trials focusing on weight reduction “aren’t typically used to make dietary recommendations for the general population” and found little evidence that higher protein builds muscle or provides other benefits outside of strength training.
Processed Food Industry Poised to Benefit
Critics fear the guidelines will accelerate the proliferation of protein-enhanced packaged products-from bars and cereals to water-sending mixed messages to consumers.
Sales of protein-enriched packaged food will increase at a time “when one of the main messages is ‘eat real food, eat whole foods,'” said Stanford nutrition expert Christopher Gardner. “I think they’re going to confuse the public in a big way.”
Dr. David Ludwig, an endocrinologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, acknowledged that emphasizing protein could help if it steers people away from processed carbohydrates. Yet he predicted consumers will instead reach for:
- Protein-fortified toaster pastries
- High-protein cereals
- Salty snacks with added protein
“I think the American public’s gonna go buy more junk food,” Gardner added.
What Is Protein and Why Do We Need It?
Protein is a macronutrient found in every human cell, essential for:
- Growth and repair of muscle, bone, skin and hair
- Supplying amino acids the body cannot manufacture
- Supporting organ and tissue maintenance
The prior 0.8 grams per kilogram guideline-about 54 grams for a 150-pound person-has stood for decades. The new 1.2-1.6 grams per kilogram range lifts that baseline to 82-109 grams daily.
Administration Also Targets Sugar and Saturated Fat
The dietary reset did not stop at protein. Secretary Kennedy simultaneously declared:
“We are ending the war on saturated fats. Today our government declares war on added sugar.”
The dual messaging places animal fats back on the menu while singling out sugar as the primary dietary villain.
Key Takeaways
- The federal government now advises Americans to eat up to double the previous protein recommendation
- Most adults already meet or exceed the new 100-gram target without changes
- Nutrition scientists warn extra protein offers limited benefit and may increase diabetes risk
- Food companies are expected to market more protein-enhanced processed items, potentially undermining the guideline’s goal of promoting whole foods
