Mediterranean Diet Leads in 2025 Best Diets Ratings by U.S. News
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority on health rankings and consumer advice, has released its 2025 edition of Best Diets. Now in its 15th year, the annual evaluation has shifted focus from ranking diets to rating them, offering more nuanced insights into 38 diets across 21 distinct categories. Once again, the Mediterranean diet tops the ratings across numerous categories, affirming its position as the leading dietary choice.
“Our updated rating system for Best Diets reflects a broader spectrum of individual health goals,” said Gretel Schueller, managing health editor at U.S. News. “By expanding our evaluated categories and moving beyond simple rankings, we aim to provide a more personalized guide for consumers considering their health and dietary priorities.”
As dietary goals continue to evolve beyond weight loss to emphasize overall health and disease prevention, U.S. News introduced 12 new categories, focusing on specific health and lifestyle needs:
- Best Diets for Arthritis
- Best Diets for Brain Health & Cognition
- Best Diets for Diverticulitis
- Best Diets for Fatty Liver
- Best Diets for Gut Health
- Best Diets for High Blood Pressure
- Best Diets for High Cholesterol
- Best Diets for IBS
- Best Diets for Inflammation
- Best Diets for Menopause
- Best Diets for Mental Health
- Best Diets for Prediabetes
In addition to expanding categories, the 2025 edition features 13 newly evaluated diets:
- 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
- Whole30 Diet
Evaluation Methodology U.S. News’ ratings are based on a methodology developed in collaboration with The Harris Poll. The evaluation process includes assessments by 69 expert panelists, including medical doctors, registered dietitians, nutritional epidemiologists, chefs, and weight loss researchers.
2025 Best Diets Rating Highlights Here are some highlights from the 2025 Best Diets ratings, with scores reflecting performance in specific categories:
- Best Overall Diets
- Mediterranean Diet (4.8 rating)
- DASH Diet (4.6 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (4.5 rating)
- MIND Diet (4.4 rating)
- Best Diets for Mental Health
- Mediterranean Diet (4.6 rating)
- MIND Diet (4.4 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (3.8 rating)
- DASH Diet (3.4 rating)
- Best Diets for Diabetes
- Mediterranean Diet (4.7 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (4.1 rating)
- DASH Diet (3.8 rating)
- MIND Diet (3.8 rating)
- Best Diets for Weight Loss
- WeightWatchers (4.3 rating)
- Mediterranean Diet (3.9 rating)
- Volumetrics (3.8 rating)
- Best Diets for Gut Health
- Mediterranean Diet (4.3 rating)
- Vegan Diet (4.1 rating)
- DASH Diet (4.1 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (4.1 rating)
- MIND Diet (4.1 rating)
- Best Fast Weight-Loss Diets
- Jenny Craig Diet (3.7 rating)
- SlimFast Diet (3.6 rating)
- Keto Diet (3.6 rating)
- Nutrisystem Diet (3.6 rating)
- WeightWatchers (3.6 rating)
- South Beach Diet (3.4 rating)
- Atkins Diet (3.3 rating)
- Best Diet for IBS
- Low-FODMAP Diet (4.8 rating)
- Best Heart-Healthy Diets
- DASH Diet (4.9 rating)
- Mediterranean Diet (4.8 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (4.3 rating)
- MIND Diet (4.3 rating)
- Vegan Diet (4.3 rating)
- TLC Diet (4.2 rating)
- Cleveland Clinic Diet (4.1 rating)
- Best Diets for Menopause
- Menopause Diet (4.6 rating)
- Mediterranean Diet (4.3 rating)
- Flexitarian Diet (3.9 rating)
- MIND Diet (3.9 rating)
- DASH Diet (3.8 rating)
Personalized Diet Selection U.S. News advises individuals to consult medical professionals before choosing a diet to ensure it aligns with their health needs and goals.
For the full list of 2025 Best Diets, visit Best Diets on U.S. News and join the conversation on social media using #BestDiets.
About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is a trusted global leader in journalism, providing independent reporting, unbiased rankings, and consumer advice across various fields, including health, education, politics, finance, travel, and more. With over 90 years of history in Washington, U.S. News remains a go-to source for in-depth insights and analysis.
About The Harris Poll The Harris Poll is a renowned global public opinion, analytics, and market research consultancy. It offers advisory services and real-time analytics to leaders across sectors. With a presence in over 90 countries, the Harris Poll helps translate shifting social sentiments into actionable insights. It is part of Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW). Visit www.theharrispoll.com for more information.
SOURCE: U.S. News & World Report, L.P.
