Today, Explained
Today, Explained

RFK Jr.'s new food pyramid

January 16, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Voices & The Context

  • The Format: Casual NPR-style interview show with host-led discussions, blending news analysis and expert insights.
  • The Key Players:
    • Guest 1: Jane Black, food journalist and co-author of the Consumed newsletter; expert on nutrition policy, unpacking the new dietary guidelines with skepticism and context.
    • Guest 2: Liz Dunn, food journalist, Consumed co-author, NYT/WSJ contributor; shares bold 2026 food trend predictions with insider data and humor.
    • Host: Noelle King, engaging interviewer with witty banter and personal asides, driving lively flow.
  • The Vibe: Educational yet fun and irreverent—mix of policy deep-dive intensity, eye-rolling at food fads, and optimistic futurism.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:00) **🎙️ Introduction: Jane Black**
  • 2 (01:48) **New Food Pyramid Breakdown**
  • 3 (02:40) **Saturated Fats Controversy**
  • 4 (05:41) **Reductions in Grains and Sugar**
  • 5 (07:47) **War on Ultra-Processed Foods**
  • 6 (09:28) **Real-World Impact of Guidelines**
  • 7 (16:01) **🎙️ Introduction: Liz Dunn**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Let them eat steak.

This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Jolie Myers, fact checked by Andrea López-Cruzado, engineered by Patrick Boyd and David Tatasciore, and hosted by Noel King.

The revised Food Pyramid from the Department of Health and Human Services. Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images.

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