From SeafoodNews, the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) encourages Americans to increase their intake of plant-based proteins such as beans, peas and lentils.

The committee also recommends “reducing intake of red and processed meats.”

The DGAC was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide recommendations for dietary guidelines for Americans between 2025 and 2030. The guidelines are revised every five years.

The report recommends replacing butter, red meat, and dairy products with plant-based foods, whole grains, vegetables, or oils rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA)/polyunsaturated fats (PUFA), which have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

The committee's proposals include moving beans, peas and lentils from the vegetable category to the protein food category to highlight their role as plant-based proteins.

The committee also recommended reordering protein foods to place legumes at the top of the list, followed by nuts, seeds, soy products, seafood, and finally meat, poultry, and eggs.

Beans, peas and lentils are categorized as both vegetables and protein foods.