Meat Institute: Dietary Guidelines Recommend Prioritizing Protein from Nutrient Dense Meat & Poultry
ARLINGTON, VA – The Meat Institute today said the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ core recommendations prioritize consumption of more protein which can be sourced from meat and poultry.
“We are pleased the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans prioritize protein and that families can get that protein from nutrient dense meat and poultry. Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy’s leadership have simplified the Dietary Guidelines making it clear that meat is a protein powerhouse which plays a vital role in healthy diets,” said Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “Robust scientific evidence demonstrates that meat is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and highly bioavailable minerals that support human health throughout the lifespan.”
The new Guidelines recommend protein serving goals of 1.2–1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, adjusting as needed based on individual caloric requirements.
“The Meat Institute and its members will work with policymakers and the Administration to ensure consumers understand that both minimally processed and further processed meat and poultry products are an affordable, accessible, direct, and balanced dietary source of protein, essential amino acids and more.”
For more information on nutrition, processing definitions, labeling practices, and ingredient functions of processed meats, see the Meat Institute and Meat Foundation’s “Guide to Meat Processing”.
About the Meat Institute
The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.
