The healthiest diet for 2025 has been revealed. US News & World Report has unveiled its 2025 Best Diets list, introducing a revamped rating system that evaluates 38 diets across 21 categories. The shift from traditional rankings to a more personalized rating approach reflects the evolving priorities of individuals seeking diets that align with specific health and lifestyle goals.
Despite the changes to its categorization, US News & World Report’s top diet choice remains the Mediterranean diet. It has earned the top diet spot for eight consecutive years. This consistent top ranking highlights the diet’s emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil, which contribute to its recognition as a leading dietary pattern.
Plant-forward diets lead the pack
Other plant-forward diets including the DASH, flexitarian, and MIND diets rounded out the best overall categories and earned top ratings in multiple categories. The Blue Zone favorite Mediterranean diet’s prominence in these ratings underscores its enduring relevance and adaptability in the landscape of health and nutrition.
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Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health at US News & World Report, emphasized the significance of this update. “Best Diets’ updated rating evaluation system reflects the diverse needs and goals of individuals, considering factors beyond weight loss,” she said in a statement. “By moving away from a ranked list of diets and nearly doubling our number of evaluated health and lifestyle categories, US News aims to provide consumers with a more personalized experience as they consider their health priorities and eating goals.”
The Mediterranean diet has consistently been recognized for its health benefits. In the 2025 ratings, it achieved a 4.8 rating in the Best Overall Diets category, surpassing other well-regarded diets such as the DASH diet (4.6 rating) and the flexitarian diet (4.5 rating) that rounded out the category.
This dietary pattern has been associated with numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of heart disease, improved cognitive function, and better management of diabetes. Its flexibility and emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods make it a sustainable choice for many individuals.
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The vegan diet also continues to gain recognition for its health and environmental benefits. It achieved a strong 4.1 rating in both the Best Diets for Gut Health and Best Heart-Healthy Diets categories, reflecting its potential to improve digestion and lower cardiovascular risks. Like the Mediterranean diet, the vegan diet’s emphasis on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds contributes to high fiber intake, reduced saturated fat levels, and significant reductions in cholesterol, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to address chronic health concerns.
The 2025 Best Diets list also introduced 12 new categories to address specific health and lifestyle needs, reflecting a broader understanding of diet’s role in overall well-being. These categories include Best Diets for Arthritis, Brain Health and Cognition, Diverticulitis, Fatty Liver, Gut Health, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, IBS, Inflammation, Menopause, Mental Health, and Prediabetes.
In addition to new categories, 13 diets were newly evaluated in this edition, including the Acid Reflux Diet, AIP Diet, Alkaline Diet, Body Reset Diet, BRAT Diet, Cleveland Clinic Diet, GAPS Diet, Gluten-Free Diet, Gout Diet, Low FODMAP Diet, Low-Residue Diet, Menopause Diet, and Whole30 Diet.
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The evaluation process involved 69 expert panelists, including medical doctors, registered dietitians, nutritional epidemiologists, chefs, and weight loss researchers, ensuring a comprehensive and informed assessment of each diet.
Mediterranean diet benefits
Research continues to point to the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. A recent review in the journal Nutrients highlights the role of the Mediterranean diet in supporting gut health and managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Rich in plant-based proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and prebiotic fibers, the Mediterranean diet promotes beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, fostering a healthier gut environment.
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Key nutrients in the Mediterranean diet including prebiotics, plant-based proteins, and unsaturated fats like olive oil, have shown anti-inflammatory and gut-protective effects. Compounds such as polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated promise in preclinical studies. Unlike restrictive diets, the Mediterranean diet’s flexibility makes it a sustainable long-term option for IBD management and other chronic health issues.
The Mediterranean diet is notable in two of five Blue Zones regions: Sardinia, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece.