This WHO guideline is an update of the specific recommendation in the technical annex of the 2007 Joint Statement by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSSCN) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on community-based management of severe acute malnutrition, which states that at least 50% of the proteins in ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) should come from dairy products. When this Joint Statement was released, the only RUTF formulation available contained dairy as the primary source of protein. Recently, alternative RUTF formulations with different sources of protein have been tested in several trials. The aim of these alternative RUTF formulations is to reduce the production cost of RUTF by partially or fully replacing dairy protein with cheaper and/or locally available options. Reducing the cost of RUTF would increase access to treatment for children with severe acute malnutrition. This guideline provides global, evidence informed recommendations focusing on whether reduced dairy or non-dairy RUTF should be used for treating uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition.