A 'War on Added Sugar' has been declared! But will Americans actually change their eating habits and ditch those tempting ultra-processed foods? This is the million-dollar question following the announcement of the new U.S. dietary guidelines.
On January 7, 2026, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled the updated guidelines, which, for the first time, explicitly target highly processed foods. This includes a strong emphasis on reducing added sugars and refined grains. In a bold statement, Kennedy declared, "Today, our government declares war on added sugar," urging everyone to "eat real food."
But here's where it gets controversial... according to a 2025 analysis by the National Center for Health Statistics, over half of the calories consumed at home by both adults and children in the U.S. come from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These are essentially factory-made formulations, often packed with refined ingredients, additives (like artificial colors and preservatives), and very little in the way of whole foods. They're designed to be extra tasty and last a long time on the shelf, often loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while lacking essential nutrients and fiber.
Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, a cancer epidemiologist specializing in nutrition, believes the message to eat more whole foods is a good one, but whether Americans will actually swap their sodas and packaged snacks remains to be seen. She points out that individual choices are heavily influenced by the environment and that the success of these guidelines hinges on the implementation of supportive policies.
And this is the part most people miss... Access and affordability are major hurdles. As Dr. Daniel Dunham, chair of medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, points out, while fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal, they can be expensive for many. He emphasizes the need to make healthy choices affordable, as simply telling people how to eat without addressing socio-economic challenges is, at best, insensitive.
However, Dr. Zhang is hopeful that the guidelines will have an impact, particularly by setting standards for federal programs like school lunches and SNAP benefits.
Wait, what about processed meats? The guidelines also address processed meats, which raises some concerns. Experts worry that the emphasis on protein might oversimplify things. Ingesting UPFs, including packaged meats like hot dogs and bologna, has been linked to over 30 health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, mental health disorders, and obesity. A diet high in UPFs has also been associated with an increased risk of arthritis and increased fat within thigh muscles.
Furthermore, too much red meat is associated with adverse health outcomes, such as an increased risk of colorectal cancer. However, meat now sits at the top of the newly-flipped food pyramid. Saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products also increase the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Dunham suggests that if red meat or dairy are the only available protein sources, they are better than nothing, but other protein sources are superior from a health perspective.
So, will Americans really ditch processed foods? Dr. Zhang believes that the guidelines must be coupled with policies that support healthy eating. This could include taxing ultra-processed foods, subsidizing fruits and vegetables, and implementing clear food labeling, as some other countries have done.
Dr. Dunham believes that for Americans to make good food choices, we need to remove the obstacles. He says, "If the easy thing to do is the right thing, people will do it. If it's hard to do, then it's going to be less likely for people to do the right thing."
What do you think? Will these new guidelines make a difference? Are you optimistic about Americans changing their eating habits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
