Pulses May Gain Dual Status in Federal Nutrition Rules
The association hopes a change in classification will encourage more Americans to use these crops as both veggies and proteins.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Should federal dietary guidelines categorize versatile crops like pulses as both vegetables and proteins?
The Northern Pulse Growers Association is advocating for the USDA to classify pulses as both vegetables and proteins in federal dietary guidelines. This shift aims to better reflect the nutritional profile of crops like dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas for consumers across the country.
Why it matters
By pushing for a dual classification, the association aims to increase the recognition of pulses as a primary nutrient source, which could influence how Americans incorporate these crops into their daily meals. This effort follows a year of high market prices and increased domestic acreage for the industry.
Industry reports from the Northern Pulse Growers Association highlight a significant uptick in production, with acreage increasing this year after prices hit highs last year. The impact of the proposed dietary guideline change on long-term national consumption remains under investigation.
The players
Northern Pulse Growers Association
An industry group representing growers of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, lupin, and fava beans in North Dakota and Montana.
The Real Food Dietitians
A group of registered dietitians who provide nutrition education and develop recipes to support healthy eating habits.
The details
Growers in North Dakota and Montana integrate pulses into existing crop rotations to improve soil health and capitalize on evolving consumer demand. The association is currently partnering with nutrition experts, such as The Real Food Dietitians, to develop recipes like a pulse-based hamburger helper to demonstrate the culinary versatility of these legumes.
Timeline
Pulse prices reached high levels last year.
Pulse acreage increased this year.
Health Landscape
The proposal aligns with an ongoing trend in nutritional science that emphasizes the benefits of plant-based proteins. This push for revised USDA dietary guidelines seeks to harmonize federal policy with the modern understanding of pulse crops as multifunctional food sources.
If you are looking to increase your intake of plant-based proteins, these crops offer a versatile way to add fiber and nutrients to familiar dishes. Incorporating legumes into your meal planning is a simple habit worth discussing with your doctor or a dietitian to see how they fit your needs.
The takeaway
Pulses remain a practical, shelf-stable way to boost protein and vegetable intake in a variety of home-cooked meals. When planning your weekly menu, consider experimenting with different varieties of lentils or beans to increase the nutritional density of your favorite comfort foods.
Further reading
Learn more about incorporating nutrient-dense options into your routine in our Healthy Food section.
More information
Try the pulse-based hamburger helper recipe for a new way to prepare these ingredients at home.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST.
Live Poll
Should federal dietary guidelines categorize versatile crops like pulses as both vegetables and proteins?
