US drops specific daily alcohol limits in new nutrition guidelines

The Trump administration’s newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have removed longstanding numerical limits on alcohol consumption, shifting federal advice away from specific daily drink caps toward a more general recommendation that Americans “consume less alcohol” for better health.

For decades, U.S. dietary guidelines advised that men limit alcohol to two standard drinks per day and women to one. The updated guidance no longer includes these serving-size limits, instead emphasising overall reduction of alcohol intake as part of a healthy lifestyle. It also notes that certain groups such as pregnant women people in recovery from alcohol use disorder and individuals unable to control their drinking should avoid alcohol altogether.

The revised guidelines, issued by the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture, influence national nutrition programmes, medical advice and institutional policies, including school meal standards. Alongside changes to alcohol advice, the guidelines call for higher protein intake, reduced added sugars and avoidance of highly processed foods.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years and serve as the basis for federal nutrition policy and health guidance for the U.S. population.