The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released their 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans last week. Along with revamped nutritional priorities that highlight proteins and eschew processed foods, they have also removed explicit recommendations on drinks per day, instead recommending general moderation. This recommendation falls in line with the stance of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), who similarly advocate mindful and safe drinking habits within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and issued a reponse to the new guidelines.
2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have been a cornerstone of federal health policy since 1980, mandated by Congress to be updated every five years. Under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the 2026 update represents a shift in focus, prioritizing what it refers to as "real food," with an emphasis on protein - in the form of meats and dairy, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. It also calls for limiting “highly processed foods, added sugars, & refined carbohydrates,” including breads, cereal, and pasta, and recommends limiting sodium.
A notable change in this edition is the omission of explicit "drinks per day" recommendations. Under previous administrations, the DGA had set the bar for moderation at a daily limit of two drinks for men and one for women. Instead, the new guidelines simply say “Consume less alcohol for better overall health.” It also states that some people “should completely avoid alcohol,” such as pregnant women and those with alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, it also recommends that those with a family history of alcoholism should be “mindful of alcohol consumption and associated addictive behaviors."
During the announcement of the new guidelines, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), characterized alcohol consumption in a positive light. “Alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together,” said the former television personality, adding, “There’s probably nothing healthier than having a good time with good friends in a safe way.” Oz also pointed out that moderate alcohol consumption was included in the diets of healthy populations around the globe.
The American Craft Spirits Association’s Response
In a statement posted to their website on January 7, 2026, the ACSA, alongside a coalition of more than 20 beverage alcohol trade associations, commented on the alignment of the new guidelines with their own long-standing perspectives. Regarding the shift away from rigid daily drink limits, the coalition stated: “The Dietary Guidelines’ longstanding, overarching advice is that if alcohol is consumed, it should be done in moderation. These updated guidelines, underpinned by the preponderance of scientific evidence, reaffirm this important guidance.”
The ACSA framed the response as a victory for scientific integrity over “sensationalized neoprohibitionist news reports and biased science.” This echoes the position of Science Over Bias, a trade coalition which includes the ACSA, which is focused on national policy with the objective that federal guidelines be developed in a transparent, fair manner, and grounded in medical and scientific knowledge as required by law. The group had previously advocated for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans’ review process to prioritize rigorous, peer-reviewed data over reports they characterized as lacking transparency.
Photograph coutesy of Gage Skidmore.
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