The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have released updated dietary guidelines that call on Americans to significantly reduce their intake of added sugars, marking a major step in the nation’s fight against rising rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
According to the new recommendations, added sugars should make up less than 6% of total daily calories—a sharp drop from the previous guideline of 10%. For someone consuming a 2,000-calorie diet, that’s just about 120 calories, or roughly one can of soda. The agencies emphasized that cutting down on added sugars can have an immediate impact on weight management and long-term health outcomes.
“Americans are consuming far too much sugar in the form of soft drinks, sweet snacks, and even so-called healthy breakfast items,” said Dr. Linda Cohen, a registered dietitian who contributed to the guidelines. “This isn’t just about weight—excess sugar has been linked to inflammation, liver issues, and increased risk for chronic illnesses.”
The new guidelines encourage consumers to read nutrition labels more carefully, avoid sugary beverages, and prepare more meals at home using whole ingredients. In schools and workplaces, health advocates are urging cafeterias and vending machines to reduce high-sugar offerings and replace them with healthier options like fruit, yogurt, and water.
Major food companies are already feeling the pressure. Some cereal brands and beverage manufacturers have announced reformulated products with reduced sugar content to align with the new federal stance. Meanwhile, public health campaigns across the country are ramping up efforts to educate families on spotting hidden sugars in foods marketed as “natural” or “low-fat.”
While nutritionists applaud the stronger language in this year’s guidelines, they also warn that implementation won’t be easy. “Changing a nation’s eating habits takes time and consistent effort from every sector—government, industry, schools, and families,” said Dr. Cohen.
Still, the new sugar limits send a clear message: for better health, Americans need to rethink their sweet tooth.