WHO EATS THE MOST PULSES IN AMERICA, AND WHY IT MATTERS FOR HEALTH
By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D.
Despite their low cost and health benefits, pulses remain under-consumed in the U.S., but new data reveal who eats them, why they are essential for health, and how small changes could close the gap with national dietary goals.
Study: Pulse consumption trends in the US in the context of 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: analyses of NHANES data for 1999–2018. Image credit: pbd Studio/Shutterstock.com
The 2025–30 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee has recommended listing pulses before meat, poultry, and eggs in the Protein Food Group as a potential protein source. However, a recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition indicates that, except for Mexican Americans, overall pulse intake is low in the United States and that sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics significantly influence pulse intake trends.
Background
Pulses, including beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dried peas, are good sources of plant proteins, dietary fibers, and micronutrients. Compared to various animal protein sources, pulses are affordable and beneficial for human and planetary health.
2025-08-27T10:33:20Z