Today, Explained RFK Jr.'s new food pyramid
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Jan 16, 2026 
Jane Black, a food journalist known for her insights on nutrition, teams up with Liz Dunn, a contributor to top publications, to dissect RFK Jr.'s new dietary guidelines. They explore the controversial flipped food pyramid and its mixed messages on saturated fats. Jane critiques industry influence on guidelines while Liz predicts food trends for 2026, including rising protein popularity and sugary drink consumption. Their conversation highlights how changing consumer behavior and wellness culture are reshaping our diets.
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Pyramid Reversed, Messaging Mixed
- The new federal dietary graphic flips past guidance, placing meat, dairy, and eggs prominently while shrinking grains.
- This shift highlights a rhetorical focus on "whole, nutrient-dense foods" despite mixed messaging on fats.
Ground Beef In A Plastic Clamshell
- Noel noticed the pyramid image includes a plastic container of ground beef with cheese on top.
- She found that depiction visually jarring and out of step with the intended 'whole foods' message.
Visuals Clash With Numeric Limits
- The guidelines visually promote saturated-fat-rich foods while keeping the 10% saturated fat limit in text.
- That contradiction leaves consumers unclear how to reconcile images with numeric recommendations.