New Dietary Guidelines Reinforce the Importance of Beans, Peas, Lentils, and Chickpeas in Healthy Diets
MOSCOW, Idaho – Today, USA Pulses, the leading voice for farmers and processors of American-grown beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, welcomed the release of the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which continue to recognize the vital role of pulses in a healthy diet.
Pulses, the nutritious dry seeds of legumes commonly known as beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, retain their place as a key source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients in the new guidelines released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“The new dietary guidelines clearly affirm the essential role of beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas in improving the diets of American families,” said Tim McGreevy, CEO of USA Pulses. “Pulses are nutritional powerhouses that serve double duty as both a protein and vegetable source. The new guidelines’ emphasis on increasing protein and nutrients like fiber makes beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas the perfect choice for families looking to improve their health.”
Fewer than 10 percent of Americans consume adequate dietary fiber, which is critical for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. A growing body of evidence links pulse consumption to reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Pulses naturally trigger GLP-1 hormone production that improves satiety and leads to weight loss.
“We commend USDA and HHS for recognizing the nutritional strengths of pulses and we look forward to working with them to ensure these American-grown foods make it onto more plates,” McGreevy added.
“Increasing consumption of pulse crops will help American farmers and processors across the U.S. at a time when they need strong markets,” said Paul Kanning, board chair of USA Pulses and a pulse farmer in Montana. “By growing and eating more American-grown beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, the U.S. can transform public health, boost rural economies, and secure a more resilient future with affordable, wholesome foods that have nourished generations.”
About USA Pulses
USA Pulses is the leading voice for U.S. pulse growers, processors, exporters, ingredient suppliers, and food companies. Our mission is to promote the use of American-grown dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans by advancing international trade, ingredient innovation, and consumer awareness. We aim to double global consumption and production of pulses through coordinated marketing, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based policy engagement.