"Eat Kimchi"... U.S. Government Officially Designates Kimchi as a Health Food for the First Time

Reevaluation of Protein and Fat... Ultra-Processed Foods "Phased Out"
Kimchi Makes Its Debut in Guidelines... Recognized as a Gut Health Food

The U.S. government has released 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 guidelines, which significantly revise the evaluation of protein and fat and declare the elimination of ultra-processed foods, present Kimchi as a representative fermented food that supports gut microbiome health.

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

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

Reevaluation of Protein and Fat... Shift Toward 'Real Food'

This revision is considered the first instance of implementing the Trump administration’s health slogan, "Make America Healthy Again," as policy. The core of the new guidelines is to move away from a diet centered on processed foods and return to "real food." The government has raised the recommended daily protein intake per kilogram of body weight from 0.8g to 1.2-1.6g, advising adolescents and middle-aged adults to ensure sufficient protein consumption.

The negative assessment of animal-based foods such as red meat, eggs, and seafood has also been eased. Perceptions of fat have changed, with the guidelines now allowing the consumption of whole-fat dairy products and animal fats, instead of focusing solely on fat-free or low-fat dairy. However, dairy products with added sugar remain on the watch list.

In contrast, the guidelines take a strong stance against ultra-processed foods, effectively recommending their elimination. Foods processed in factories and containing food additives, such as sausages, snacks, and frozen pizza, are explicitly advised against consumption. The intake of refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and wheat flour, is also strongly restricted.

Kimchi Included for the First Time in U.S. Government Diet... A Leading Fermented Food for Gut Health

Image to aid understanding of the article about Kimchi. Pixabay

Amid these policy changes, what stands out to Koreans is the inclusion of Kimchi. Kimchi has been officially mentioned as a representative food for 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 dietary guidelines of the U.S. government.

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

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