The U.S. government has announced new dietary guidelines that will serve as the standard for all federal nutrition policies over the next five years, officially designating kimchi as a health food for the first time. The revised guidelines significantly update the evaluation of protein and fat, declare the elimination of ultra-processed foods, and present kimchi as a representative example of fermented foods that promote gut microbiome health.

On January 8, 2026 (local time), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced the '2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans' at the White House briefing room in Washington, D.C. These guidelines will serve as the benchmark for all federal nutrition policies, including school meals, military rations, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for low-income individuals.

This revision is considered the first case of implementing the Trump administration’s health slogan, 'Make America Healthy Again,' as official policy. The core message of the new guidelines is to move away from a diet centered on processed foods and return to 'real food.' The government has increased the recommended daily protein intake per kilogram of body weight from the previous 0.8 grams to 1.2-1.6 grams, advising adolescents in their growth period and middle-aged adults to consume adequate protein.

Negative assessments of animal-based foods such as red meat, eggs, and seafood have also been eased. Perceptions of fat have changed, and the consumption of whole-fat dairy products and the use of animal fats are now included within the recommended range, instead of focusing solely on non-fat or low-fat dairy. However, dairy products with added sugar are still classified as foods to be avoided.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, is speaking at a press event held at the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington on January 8, 2026 (local time). Photo by AP Yonhap News

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In contrast, the guidelines issue a strong recommendation to virtually eliminate ultra-processed foods. Foods that have undergone factory processing and contain food additives-such as sausages, snacks, and frozen pizza-are explicitly advised against, with the guidelines stating, "Do not consume." The intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and flour, is also strongly restricted.

Amid these policy changes, the inclusion of kimchi stands out to Korean observers. Kimchi is officially mentioned as a food that promotes gut health. The guidelines specify, "Consume fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and miso along with vegetables and high-fiber foods." This is the first time kimchi has been included in the official U.S. dietary guidelines.

Experts note that kimchi can play a positive role in balancing the gut microbiome, but recommend appropriate consumption considering its sodium content. Generally, a serving size of about 40 to 60 grams is considered suitable.

The U.S. media has described these guidelines as a "major transformation in American food culture." However, there are also concerns that the increased recommended protein intake could lead to excessive calorie consumption.