Rethinking the Fruit Group in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) underpin federal nutrition policy but currently classify fruit as a single food group, potentially overlooking important differences in nutrient composition and health effects among fruit types. Berries, including blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are rich in anthocyanins, fiber, and vitamin C and are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk, improved cognitive function, and other health benefits. Despite this, berries are consumed less frequently than commonly chosen fruits such as bananas and apples in the United States. Establishing fruit subgroups within the DGA, particularly for berries, may better reflect nutrition diversity and emerging evidence. Current guidance emphasizes total fruit intake without distinguishing among types, limiting the ability to highlight nutrient-dense, underconsumed fruits. National data show that fewer than half of adults consume fruit daily and that intake variety is low. Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets emphasize berries for their health-promoting properties. Creating a berry subgroup may enhance dietary guidance by improving clarity, supporting nutrient adequacy, and strengthening chronic disease prevention. However, considerations that must also be taken into account include cost, access, seasonal availability, and the need for stronger long-term evidence. Incorporating fruit subgroups may modernize the DGA and improve public health outcomes.