US Protein Craze Sparks Dietary Debate

New federal guidelines prioritize protein, but experts caution about long-term effects and nutrient balance.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United States is experiencing a surge in protein consumption, driven by social media trends and the food industry's response. The new Dietary Guidelines released by the Trump Administration emphasize high-quality proteins, whole dairy, and natural fats - a dramatic departure from previous recommendations that focused on limiting saturated fats and emphasizing carbohydrate-heavy diets. This shift has sparked a debate, with the American Heart Association and the Committee of Physicians advocating for plant-based, unprocessed foods. The protein trend is visible across the food landscape, with coffee chains, snack brands, and other products adding protein-enriched options. While research suggests high-protein diets can promote feelings of fullness, experts caution about the lack of long-term data and the potential risks of neglecting other vital nutrients.

Why it matters

The protein craze highlights the evolving dietary priorities of Americans and the food industry's efforts to cater to these shifting preferences. This debate over the optimal balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates has significant implications for public health, the food supply, and the future of dietary guidelines.

The details

The new Dietary Guidelines, released by the Trump Administration, prioritize high-quality proteins, whole dairy, and natural fats, representing a dramatic departure from previous recommendations that cautioned against saturated fats and emphasized carbohydrate-heavy diets. This change has sparked controversy, with the American Heart Association (AHA) continuing to recommend limiting saturated fat intake and the Committee of Physicians highlighting the health benefits of plant-based, unprocessed foods. The protein trend is visible across the food landscape, with coffee chains, snack brands, and other products adding protein-enriched options to cater to consumer demand. Research suggests high-protein diets can increase levels of hormones like GLP-1, which promote feelings of fullness, but experts caution about the lack of long-term data and the potential risks of neglecting other vital nutrients.

  • The new Dietary Guidelines were released by the Trump Administration in 2026.
  • A 1933 article in The Times promoted a high-protein diet with lean meat as a weight-loss solution, suggesting a cyclical nature to dietary trends.

The players

Trump Administration

The federal government under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, which released the new Dietary Guidelines prioritizing protein, whole dairy, and natural fats.

American Heart Association (AHA)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to heart health, which continues to recommend limiting saturated fat intake and advocating for plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats.

Committee of Physicians

A group of medical professionals who highlight the health benefits of plant-based, unprocessed foods and their association with lower risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Andrea Deierlein

The Director of Nutrition at Public Health at New York University, who emphasizes the lack of long-term data on the effects of high-protein diets and notes that high protein intake is a recurring theme in many popular diet trends.

Empower

A research firm that conducted a study finding that nearly half (49%) of American consumers view protein as a premium ingredient they are willing to pay more for, while 65% believe that many protein-added products are overpriced.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to recommend limiting saturated fat intake to 6% of daily calories, and advocate for plant-based proteins, seafood, and lean meats.”

— American Heart Association (American Heart Association)

“Plant-based, unprocessed foods are associated with lower risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”

— Committee of Physicians (Committee of Physicians)

“The long-term effects of high-protein diets are still being studied, and we need to be cautious about the potential risks of neglecting other vital nutrients.”

— Dr. Andrea Deierlein, Director of Nutrition at Public Health, New York University (newsy-today.com)

The takeaway

The protein craze highlights the evolving dietary priorities of Americans and the food industry's efforts to cater to these shifting preferences. As the debate over the optimal balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates continues, it is crucial for consumers to consult healthcare professionals and consider the long-term health implications of their dietary choices.