| General guidelines |
| A variety of nutrient-dense foods from the basic food groups (cow milk/milk products or fortified soy products, meat/protein, grains, fruits/vegetables) should be offered each day. |
| Foods and beverages should contain or be prepared with little added salt, sugar, or caloric sweeteners. |
| Fat |
| 1 to 2 years: Fat and cholesterol intake are not restricted. |
| 2 to 3 years: Fat should comprise 30 to 40% of total energy intake; saturated fats should be limited to <10% of total energy intake; intake of trans fats should be as low as possible. |
| 4 to 18 years: Fat should comprise 25 to 35% of total energy intake; fat intake should not be restricted to <20% of total energy intake; saturated fats should be limited to <10% of total energy intake; intake of trans fats should be as low as possible. |
| Meat/protein |
| Select and prepare meat, poultry, fish, and dried beans with as little fat as possible. |
| Fruits, vegetables, and fruit juice |
| A colorful variety of fruits and vegetables should be offered each day. |
| Whole fruit is preferred to fruit juice, but one-half of the recommended daily servings can be provided in the form of 100% fruit juice. |
| Consumption of 100% fruit juice should be limited to 4 ounces (120 mL) in children aged 1 through 3 years, 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 mL) in children aged 4 through 6 years, and 8 ounces (240 mL) in children older than 7 years. |
| Grains |
| At least one-half of total grains consumed should be whole grains. When reading the label, "whole grain" should be the first ingredient. |
| Cow milk or fortified soy milk |
| 1 to 2 years: At least 2 cups (approximately 480 mL) of whole cow milk per day (or equivalent products). |
| 2 to 8 years: At least 2 to 3 cups (approximately 480 to 720 mL) of fat-free or low-fat milk per day (or equivalent products). |
| ≥9 years: At least 3 cups (approximately 720 mL) of fat-free or low-fat milk per day (or equivalent products). |
| Beverages |
| Plain, unflavored water is the preferred beverage for children, particularly when fluids are consumed outside of meals and snacks. |
