Latest US dietary guidelines are projected to increase diet-related emissions.

Here, using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dietary data linked to life-cycle greenhouse gas emission estimates, we estimated the carbon footprint of the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2025-2030. Adherence to the DGA 2025-2030 would generate 5.46 kg CO2 equivalents per 2,000 kcal, representing a 32.8% increase compared with DGA 2015-2020 and 2020-2025, primarily driven by higher recommended protein intake. This finding highlights a misalignment between health goals and environmental sustainability.