US Dietary Guidelines Name Kimchi a 'Real Food'—First Time Officially Recommended
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
The US Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture updated the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030) and for the first time officially recommend fermented foods like kimchi as beneficial for gut health. The guidelines emphasize maintaining microbiome diversity and list kimchi, sauerkraut (German fermented cabbage), kefir (fermented milk drink), and miso (Japanese fermented soybean paste) as foods that support a healthy gut. Research suggests certain kimchi lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactococcus lactis, Weissella cibaria, and Lactobacillus sakei, may reduce inflammation, help metabolism, improve brain function, and even have anti-cancer effects. The update also pushes a strong “eat real food” message and discourages ultra-processed foods like sausages and frozen pizzas. While media call it a major shift in American food culture, some worry expanded protein recommendations could mean more meat consumption in an already meat-heavy society.
