Beef Scores Big Win in New Dietary Guidelines

But experts warn the victory may be short-lived as politics continue to shape the guidelines every five years.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have given a major boost to beef and protein, reversing years of efforts to diminish their role. Advocates are celebrating this "Super Bowl-sized victory" for the beef industry, but caution that the win may be fleeting as the guidelines are heavily influenced by politics and can shift dramatically from one release to the next.

Why it matters

The DGA play a crucial role in shaping food policy, from school lunches to hospital menus. For years, beef and protein faced an uphill battle, but the latest guidelines have flipped the script, putting them at the top of the food pyramid. This is a major win for the beef industry, but experts warn that the political nature of the guidelines means the victory may not last.

The details

The new DGA have completely reversed the trend of previous years, which had sought to punitively label and diminish beef, red meat and protein. Now, protein is the "power player" and there is "literally a rib-eye steak near the top of the inverted food pyramid." Beef advocates can now play offense rather than constant defense to keep beef viable in key food service and retail channels.

  • The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released in 2026.
  • The guidelines are updated every five years.

The players

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA)

The federal dietary guidelines that shape food policy and recommendations in the United States.

Beef industry

The producers, processors, and advocates for the beef industry, who have long fought to maintain beef's place in the DGA and American diets.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The beef industry must remain vigilant and prepared for the next round of DGA updates, as the guidelines can shift dramatically based on the political landscape in Washington.

The takeaway

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans represent a major victory for the beef industry, but experts caution that this win may be short-lived due to the highly political nature of the guidelines. The industry must stay focused and ready to defend beef's place in the American diet, as the guidelines can flip-flop based on who is in power.