MAHA's dietary guidelines prioritizing red meat and dairy is the K-shaped economy in action, economist warns: 'There's certainly affordability issues' | Fortune

""The "Make America Healthy Again" movement has already made sweeping changes to what consumers see at the grocery store. The Department of Health and Human Services last year announced plans to phase out artificial dyes, and major brands have followed suit: Campbell's and General Mills have pledged to eliminate certain color additives from their snacks and cereals. PepsiCo's Doritos and Cheetos have " Simply NKD " products that are colorless, dye-free alternatives to their neon orange counterparts.""

""Like its 2025 predecessor, the updated guidelines prioritize less-processed foods, but now emphasizes pricier red meat and whole-fat dairy products over plant-based diets. The new guidance also discourages more processed grain products such as white bread, crackers, and packaged breakfast items that many lower-income households rely on to fulfill their dietary needs.""

""We know food prices have been top-of-mind for many consumers over the past few years,""

""These are items that sell at a higher price point. Animal proteins are traditionally more expensive. Whole milk is more expensive than low-fat or reduced-fat milk. That's one major concern. There's certainly affordability issues.""

Make America Healthy Again policies have altered grocery offerings and prompted major brands to remove artificial color additives. The Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to phase out artificial dyes, and companies including Campbell's, General Mills, and PepsiCo introduced dye-free product lines. Updated HHS dietary guidelines prioritize less-processed foods while shifting emphasis toward red meat and whole-fat dairy instead of plant-based diets. The guidance discourages processed grain products such as white bread, crackers, and packaged breakfast items commonly used by lower-income households. Economists and public health experts warn higher prices for animal proteins and whole milk create affordability issues and deepen economic disparities.

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