US Dietary Guidelines Drop Daily Alcohol Limits for 2025-2030, Ending Decades of Numeric Recommendations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services have released the official 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, introducing a significant change in their recommendations on alcohol consumption. The updated guidelines, announced by the Trump administration, no longer specify a daily numerical limit for alcoholic drinks. Instead, they advise Americans to drink in moderation and as part of a healthy diet, without defining what “moderation” means in terms of number of drinks.

This marks a departure from previous guidelines, which had set clear limits: up to two drinks per day for men and one for women. The change was first hinted at in June last year, when drafts of the new guidelines were circulated among health experts and industry representatives. The final version was published this week after months of review and public comment.

The new approach has been welcomed by several industry groups, including the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), The Wine Institute, and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). In a joint statement, these organizations said, “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.”

Health officials say the decision to remove specific drink limits reflects ongoing debate among scientists about the risks and benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Some recent studies have questioned whether even low levels of drinking are safe, while others suggest that moderate drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle for some adults. The new guidelines emphasize that people who do not drink alcohol should not start for any reason related to health.

The guidelines also continue to warn about the dangers of excessive drinking and its links to chronic diseases such as liver disease, certain cancers, and heart problems. They recommend that those who choose to drink should do so only if they are of legal age and should avoid binge drinking or heavy consumption.

The update comes at a time when Americans’ drinking habits are under increased scrutiny. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that alcohol-related deaths have risen in recent years. Public health advocates have expressed concern that removing specific limits could send mixed messages about safe drinking levels.

Officials involved in drafting the guidelines say they aimed to balance scientific evidence with practical advice for consumers. They note that the guidelines are intended as general recommendations and that individuals should consult healthcare providers for personal advice about alcohol use.

The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines will serve as the basis for federal nutrition policy and education programs over the next five years. They are updated every five years to reflect new research on diet and health. The latest version covers a range of topics beyond alcohol, including recommendations on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and other aspects of healthy eating.

As Americans adjust to the new guidance on alcohol, health experts stress the importance of making informed choices based on individual health needs and risks. The government’s message remains clear: moderation is key, but there is no longer a set number attached to what that means for daily drinking.