Federal Guidelines Raise Recommended Protein Intake

Dieticians advise choosing quality protein sources and maintaining balanced diet

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has significantly increased the recommended daily amount of protein that Americans should consume, with the latest federal nutrition guidelines setting a range from 50% higher to double the previous recommendation. While eating enough protein is important for good health, dieticians say people looking to boost their protein intake need to choose quality food sources and maintain a balanced diet that includes healthy carbohydrates and fats.

Why it matters

The new federal protein guidelines reflect growing awareness of the importance of protein for overall health and wellness. However, experts caution that simply increasing protein intake without regard for food quality and diet balance could have unintended consequences, making it important for consumers to understand how to properly incorporate more protein into their daily routines.

The details

Data from the USDA shows that as of 2020, the average American was already consuming enough protein to meet the new recommended levels. The latest federal nutrition guidelines, released in early January, raised the recommended floor for daily protein intake, setting a range from 50% higher to double the previous recommendation. Dieticians in the Denver area advise that while increasing protein is important, people need to focus on getting that protein from quality food sources rather than processed products, and ensure they don't crowd out other essential nutrients like healthy carbs and fats.

  • The latest federal nutrition guidelines were released in early January 2026.
  • USDA data shows the average American was consuming enough protein as of 2020.

The players

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal agency responsible for developing and publishing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which include recommendations for daily protein intake.

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The takeaway

The new federal protein guidelines underscore the importance of this nutrient for health, but experts caution that simply increasing protein intake without regard for food quality and diet balance could have unintended consequences. Consumers need to focus on incorporating more high-quality protein sources into a balanced diet to reap the full benefits.