The Mediterranean diet continues its reign as a leading choice for healthy eating, earning top honors in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Diets.
Schueller noted this year’s list shifted in focus toward “food as medicine,” aligning with growing evidence that diets can play a significant role in disease prevention and management.
The DASH diet (4.6), Flexitarian diet (4.5) and MIND diet (4.4) were also among the top-rated overall diets.
For specific health needs, diets like the Low-FODMAP method excelled for IBS, while Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory diet was highly rated for arthritis and inflammation.
An interactive quiz launched alongside the 2025 Best Diets list aims to help individuals find the best options based on their health goals and lifestyle preferences.
With its top rankings in the United States, the Mediterranean diet remains the most popular option for healthy eating. S. News and World Report’s Top Diets for 2025.
A major change in the publication’s methodology is evident in this 15th annual edition of the list, which now ranks diets according to a more individualized system based on efficacy for particular health issues rather than a single list.
The updated methodology reflects the evolving priorities of consumers, emphasizing diverse health needs over simple weight loss alone.
Gretel Schueller, managing editor of health at U.S., stated, “Best Diets’ updated rating evaluation system reflects the diverse needs and goals of individuals, considering factors beyond weight loss.”. S. News & World Report.
With an overall rating of 4 points 8 out of 5, the Mediterranean diet received the highest rating. The best diets for diabetes, mental health, and fatty livers were among the many areas in which it excelled.
It is well-known for emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and olive oil. According to Schueller, “the concepts of this diet can be adapted for just about any cuisine, from Indian to Chinese to South American.”.
Schueller pointed out that the emphasis on “food as medicine” on this year’s list has changed to reflect the mounting evidence that diets can significantly influence the management and prevention of disease.
“This is not a substitute for consulting your physician or dietician,” she stated. Food, however, is crucial for both managing and preventing illness. “.”.
The 2025 Best Diets, which included 12 new categories like the best diets for menopause, arthritis, and brain health, assessed 38 diet plans in 21 categories.
The top-rated diets overall included the Flexitarian diet (4point 5), the DASH diet (4point 6), and the MIND diet (4point 4).
Diets like the Low-FODMAP method worked well for IBS, while Dr. Andrew Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory diet was well-reviewed for inflammation and arthritis.
To assist people in selecting the best options based on their lifestyle preferences and health objectives, an interactive quiz was introduced in conjunction with the 2025 Best Diets list.
U. S. News’ panel of 43 experts — including medical doctors, registered dietitians and public health specialists — evaluated the diets. Their expertise spans across areas like cardiology, women’s health and sports nutrition, who aim to take a comprehensive and science-backed approach.
If you’re unsure of which diet best suits your healthy eating goals and medical challenges, the interactive quiz tabulates your goals and lifestyle preferences, and gives recommendations on which diets best suit your specific needs.
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