What is a major criticism of MyPlate according to some experts?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While MyPlate replaced the confusing food pyramid in 2011 to simplify nutritional guidance, many experts argue its recommendations are flawed and potentially influenced by agricultural interests. A major criticism of MyPlate according to some experts is its failure to distinguish between different types of food within the same group, particularly regarding the quality of grains, proteins, and dairy.

Quick Summary

Nutrition experts critique the MyPlate model for its oversimplified approach, which treats all foods within a group the same, potentially steering consumers toward unhealthy options like refined grains or high-fat dairy. The model is also criticized for its prominent dairy recommendation and the omission of healthy fats and physical activity. Critics advocate for a more nuanced, science-based approach that emphasizes food quality and recognizes the health risks associated with certain food choices.

Key Points

Oversimplification of Food Groups: MyPlate's most prominent criticism is that it fails to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods within the same category, like whole vs. refined grains or lean vs. processed protein.
Biased Dairy Recommendation: Many experts cite undue influence from the dairy industry, arguing the strong emphasis on dairy is not based on unbiased science and potentially increases health risks for some.
Neglect of Healthy Fats: The model fails to provide guidance on the importance of healthy fats, potentially misleading consumers about which types of fats to include and which to limit.
Absence of Key Health Factors: Critics note the icon omits crucial elements like the importance of physical activity and the need to limit sugary beverages and refined carbs, unlike more comprehensive models.
Lack of Adaptability for Diverse Diets: The standard MyPlate visual is not well-suited for vegetarian or vegan diets, as it prominently features dairy and lacks guidance on diverse plant-based protein sources.
Industry Influence Over Science: The USDA's conflict of interest in both promoting agriculture and providing dietary advice is seen as compromising the scientific integrity of the MyPlate guidelines.

The Problem with Oversimplification: Lacking Nuance on Food Quality

One of the most significant criticisms leveled against MyPlate is its broad, undifferentiated approach to food groups. By simply illustrating a plate divided into fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with a side cup for dairy, the icon gives no guidance on the quality of the foods within these categories. This oversimplification can lead consumers astray, causing them to make less healthy choices while still feeling they are adhering to official guidelines. For instance, a meal of a cheeseburger on a white bun with fries could technically 'fit' the plate's visual, despite being nutritionally poor.

The Failure to Differentiate Grains and Proteins

MyPlate's 'Grains' section does not distinguish between whole grains and refined grains. Health experts and organizations like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health emphasize that whole grains (like brown rice, whole wheat bread, and quinoa) are far healthier, as refined grains (like white bread and white rice) are stripped of valuable fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Overconsumption of refined grains can act similarly to sugar in the body, contributing to weight gain and increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Similarly, the 'Protein Foods' group fails to differentiate between high-quality, leaner proteins (such as fish, beans, and poultry) and less healthy options like processed red meats, which are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Criticisms of the Dairy Recommendation

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of MyPlate is its prominent dairy recommendation. Critics, including the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), argue that this is heavily influenced by the powerful dairy lobby rather than sound nutritional science.

Key Arguments Against the Dairy Recommendation:

Health Risks: Some studies suggest high dairy intake is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as prostate and ovarian cancer.
Bone Health Questioned: The premise that high dairy intake is essential for bone health is challenged by experts, who cite little evidence supporting this claim.
Widespread Lactose Intolerance: A large portion of the global population, particularly people of color, is lactose intolerant, making the prominent dairy recommendation inappropriate and even harmful for many.
Industry Influence: The USDA's dual role in both promoting agricultural products and setting dietary guidelines creates an inherent conflict of interest, leading to accusations that MyPlate is not based solely on objective health science.

Neglecting Healthy Fats and Limiting Harmful Ones

MyPlate's silence on fats and oils is another significant shortcoming. It does not provide guidance on the importance of healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) found in foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, nor does it explicitly caution against high-fat, high-sugar processed foods. This omission can lead consumers to mistakenly believe that all fats are equally bad, or conversely, to disregard the saturated fat content of some dairy and processed protein choices. In contrast, alternative guides like the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate explicitly depict healthy oils and warn against limiting saturated fats.

MyPlate vs. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate: A Comparison


Feature	USDA MyPlate	Harvard Healthy Eating Plate
Grains	Undifferentiated; allows for refined grains.	Explicitly recommends whole grains over refined grains.
Protein	Generic 'Protein Foods' section.	Specifies healthier options like fish, poultry, beans, and nuts; limits red and processed meat.
Dairy	Prominent inclusion, often with a cup illustration.	Limits dairy to 1-2 servings per day; promotes water as the primary beverage.
Fats & Oils	Silent on healthy fats; fails to differentiate types.	Shows a bottle of healthy oil; recommends limiting saturated fats and avoiding trans fats.
Beverages	Implies dairy is a key drink; ignores sugary beverages.	Explicitly promotes water, coffee, and tea; warns against sugary drinks.
Activity	No visual representation of physical activity.	Includes a figure running to represent the importance of daily exercise.

The Overlooking of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

Due to its strong emphasis on dairy and its undifferentiated approach to protein, MyPlate is also criticized for not being easily adaptable to vegetarian or vegan diets. While the USDA guidelines do include fortified alternatives and plant-based protein options, the visual icon itself does not easily accommodate a dairy-free or plant-focused eating pattern. This creates unnecessary confusion and can alienate individuals who follow or are exploring plant-based diets.

The Importance of an Educated Consumer

The complexities and potential biases within public health messaging highlight the need for greater consumer education. While simple visual aids like MyPlate are designed for ease of use, they must be interpreted with caution. Relying solely on the MyPlate icon without delving into the detailed dietary guidelines can lead to poor nutritional choices that increase the risk of chronic diseases. It is crucial for individuals to understand the difference between a high-quality food choice (e.g., whole grains, plant-based proteins) and a poor one (e.g., refined grains, processed meats), regardless of which category the food falls into.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction, but with Caveats

Ultimately, MyPlate represents an improvement over the previous food pyramid by using a more intuitive, plate-based visual. However, its significant shortcomings, particularly the lack of differentiation within food groups, the biased dairy recommendation, and the neglect of healthy fats, mean that it is not the ideal tool for promoting optimal health. Nutrition experts widely recommend consulting more nuanced, science-driven models like the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate to get a more complete and accurate picture of healthy eating. These models, free from commercial pressures, provide the necessary detail to guide consumers toward healthier, whole food choices.

Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate is often cited as a superior alternative, offering a clearer, science-based approach to dietary guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some experts criticize the prominent dairy recommendation, arguing it is influenced by the dairy lobby and not purely by nutritional science. They point to potential health risks associated with high dairy intake and the high prevalence of lactose intolerance, particularly among people of color.

The main difference is the level of nuance. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate is more specific, recommending whole grains over refined, healthy proteins like fish and beans, and limiting dairy. It also includes healthy oils and physical activity, which MyPlate omits.

No, the MyPlate icon does not visually distinguish between whole and refined grains, treating them the same within the 'Grains' group. This is a major criticism, as whole grains are significantly more nutritious than refined ones.

The lack of guidance on fats and oils can be misleading because it fails to highlight the health benefits of unsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, and certain oils. It also neglects to warn against saturated fats found in some dairy and meat products.

MyPlate's standard visual does not easily accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets due to its strong emphasis on dairy. While the underlying guidelines do include plant-based options, the iconic plate itself is not inclusive, potentially causing confusion for those on plant-based eating plans.

Critics argue that MyPlate is not based purely on scientific evidence due to the USDA's dual role in promoting agricultural interests and setting dietary guidelines. This alleged conflict of interest, particularly regarding the dairy industry, has been widely criticized by health experts.

The MyPlate visual does not explicitly address sugary drinks, though its guidelines recommend choosing water or low-fat milk. Critics, however, point out that MyPlate is not explicit enough in its warning against sugary beverages, which are a major health concern.