The Mediterranean Diet is Recognized as U.S. News and World Reports Top Rated Diet Plan

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the annual Best Diets rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the Mediterranean diet has repeatedly claimed the top spot as the best overall diet, a position it has held for many consecutive years. This consistent recognition is a testament to its sustainable, health-promoting eating pattern rather than a restrictive, short-term fix.

Quick Summary

The Mediterranean diet is consistently recognized as the best overall diet by U.S. News & World Report. It emphasizes whole foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins, offering numerous health benefits and long-term sustainability. The DASH and Flexitarian diets also rank highly.

Key Points

Top-Ranked Diet: The Mediterranean Diet has been consistently recognized as the best overall diet by U.S. News & World Report for multiple consecutive years.
Lifestyle Over Restriction: It is a sustainable eating pattern emphasizing whole, plant-based foods, healthy fats like olive oil, and lean proteins.
Proven Health Benefits: The diet is strongly linked to improved heart health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, increased longevity, and better weight management.
Strong Contenders: Other highly-rated diets include the DASH diet, known for its heart health benefits, and the Flexitarian diet, which offers a flexible vegetarian approach.
Sustainable and Flexible: The top-ranked diets prioritize long-term sustainability and provide more flexibility than strict, short-term fad diets.
Evidence-Based: The rankings are based on evaluations from panels of nutritional experts and supported by extensive scientific evidence.

The Reigning Champion: Why the Mediterranean Diet Tops the List

The Mediterranean diet, a lifestyle eating pattern from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, was named the 'best overall diet' for the eighth consecutive year in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Health experts on the ranking panel praised its nutritional value, sustainability, and proven health benefits.

Core Principles of the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet's success stems from its principles:

Emphasis on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Primary use of olive oil for healthy fats, with nuts and seeds also contributing.
Moderate intake of fish and poultry, with fish recommended at least twice weekly.
Limited consumption of red meat and sweets.
Inclusion of moderate wine with meals, social eating, and physical activity.

The Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Lifestyle

Research highlights the extensive health benefits of this diet. Studies indicate a lower risk of dementia for those who follow it closely.

Cardiovascular Health: The diet supports heart health by reducing risks like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Longevity and Wellness: Benefits include improved gut and brain health, increased longevity, and reduced risk of certain cancers.
Weight Management: Its focus on whole, fiber-rich foods aids in satiety and maintaining a healthy weight.

Comparison of Top-Rated Diet Plans

Other diets also receive high praise from U.S. News & World Report. Here's a comparison of the top contenders:


Feature	Mediterranean Diet	DASH Diet	Flexitarian Diet
Primary Focus	Whole foods, healthy fats, lifestyle	Lowering blood pressure	Mostly plant-based with occasional meat
Key Strengths	Sustainability, disease prevention, overall wellness	Heart health, blood pressure control	Flexibility, less restrictive than vegetarian
Restrictions	Limited red meat, processed foods, sugar	High sodium, processed foods, red meat	Mostly vegetarian, but allows for flexibility
Sourcing	Traditional foods of Mediterranean region	Based on medical research for hypertension	Flexible adaptation of vegetarianism
Ease of Adherence	High. Emphasis on whole foods, not strict counting	Moderate. Can require careful food tracking	High. Flexibility makes it easy to follow

Understanding the Runners-Up

The DASH Diet

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is highly rated for its effectiveness in lowering high blood pressure. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, red meat, sweets, and sugary drinks.

The Flexitarian Diet

Combining 'flexible' and 'vegetarian', the Flexitarian diet is ideal for those seeking the benefits of plant-based eating without fully eliminating meat. It primarily focuses on plant-based foods but allows for occasional inclusion of meat, making it adaptable and sustainable.

The Role of Sustainability and Personalization

The Mediterranean diet's emphasis on sustainability contributes to its top ranking. Unlike short-term fad diets, it encourages lasting healthy eating habits. Experts agree that the most effective diet is one that an individual can maintain long-term. The top-ranked diets, including DASH and Flexitarian, promote wholesome, nutrient-dense foods rather than strict elimination.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Diet

Receiving consistent recognition as the best overall diet from U.S. News & World Report underscores the Mediterranean diet's significant health benefits and sustainability. Its focus on whole foods, plant-based options, healthy fats, and moderate protein supports long-term wellness beyond just weight loss. While the DASH and Flexitarian diets are also highly recommended alternatives, the Mediterranean diet stands out for its comprehensive approach to healthy living. Adopting its principles is a well-supported path to improving overall health.

Learn More About the Mediterranean Lifestyle

For more information on the health benefits and principles of the Mediterranean lifestyle, visit the American Heart Association website: www.heart.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mediterranean Diet is an eating plan based on the traditional foods and drinks of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, healthy fats like olive oil, and includes moderate amounts of fish and poultry, with limited red meat and sweets.

U.S. News & World Report assembles a panel of nutrition and health experts to evaluate and rank diets based on several criteria, including nutritional completeness, long-term sustainability, safety, and evidence-based effectiveness.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is designed to lower blood pressure. It is highly rated for its focus on low-sodium intake and emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, making it excellent for heart health.

Yes, many people can lose weight on the Mediterranean Diet. Its emphasis on fiber-rich, whole foods promotes a feeling of fullness, which can lead to consuming fewer calories overall. It is viewed as a sustainable approach to maintaining a healthy weight.

No, the Mediterranean Diet is not strictly vegetarian. While it is heavily plant-based, it includes moderate consumption of fish and poultry. Red meat is typically limited to a few times a month.

The Flexitarian Diet provides many of the benefits of a vegetarian diet, such as increased fiber intake and lower saturated fat, while allowing occasional meat consumption. This flexibility makes it an easy and sustainable way to improve overall health.

The best diet depends on individual health goals, needs, and preferences. The Mediterranean, DASH, and Flexitarian diets are all excellent, evidence-based choices. Consulting a doctor or a registered dietitian is the best way to determine the most suitable diet plan for you.