Federal Committee Backs Plant-Based Proteins Over Meat in New Dietary Guidelines

A federal dietary panel is preparing to shake up American nutrition guidelines by recommending that plant-based proteins, like beans, peas, and lentils, take center stage over traditional sources such as meat, poultry, and eggs.

This shift comes from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a 20-member group that recently met with the National Institutes of Health to address updates in national dietary advice.

Scheduled to take effect in December, the new guidelines aim to reclassify beans, peas, and lentils as top-tier protein choices, even ahead of widely consumed options like meats and seafood.

This marks a departure from previous guidelines, where meat and poultry held prime spots in the protein category.

Deirdre Tobias, a committee member, emphasized the need for a “branding refresh” around protein, explaining, “If there are more plant sources of proteins in the protein category, that could help overcome that… mislabeling or misinformation.”

The White House, which established this committee in 2022, has highlighted the importance of dietary diversity, reflecting racial, cultural, and regional inclusivity.

The committee’s recommendations, set to finalize after election day, aim to encourage plant-based proteins as part of a broader shift toward sustainable, inclusive nutrition.

“That’s where we would probably offer more flexibility — by increasing beans, peas, and lentils at the expense of some of those other meat products,” Tobias added.

With plant-based proteins gaining prominence, these guidelines could reshape the American plate, placing legumes and pulses at the heart of everyday meals in a move that aligns with changing consumer attitudes and sustainability goals.

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