The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has welcomed the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which place renewed emphasis on increasing seafood consumption as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Issued on 7 January 2026, the updated guidelines underscore seafood’s role as a whole-food source of two key nutrients Americans are encouraged to prioritise: high-quality protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.
NFI said it supports the streamlined, user-friendly format of the new guidelines, which aim to deliver clear and practical nutrition messages to consumers. The recommendations call for the early introduction of seafood from around six months of age and continued consumption throughout all life stages, with particular emphasis on periods of rapid growth and development such as adolescence, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
“Seafood naturally aligns with the core message of the guidelines, ‘Eat Real Food,’” NFI said in a statement, noting that all forms of seafood — fresh, frozen and canned — contribute to a nutritious diet and help make healthy eating both affordable and accessible for US families.
While the diversity of seafood available in the US market makes comprehensive listing impractical, the new food pyramid graphic highlights a range of popular options, including salmon, shrimp and canned tuna. According to NFI, this reflects the flexibility of seafood in meeting dietary needs and preferences.
NFI said it looks forward to supporting efforts to translate the updated guidelines into everyday food choices, helping Americans incorporate more seafood into their diets and realise the associated health benefits.
