Americans are being encouraged to increase their intake of plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, and lentils, by the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC).
The committee also suggests “reducing intakes of red and processed meats”.
Formed by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA), the DGAC aims to provide recommendations for the dietary guidelines for Americans between 2025 and 2030.
These guidelines are revised every five years.
The report suggests replacing butter, red meat, and dairy with plant-based foods, whole grains, vegetables, or MUFA/PUFA-rich oils “associated with cardiovascular disease risk reduction”.
The committee's proposal includes moving beans, peas, and lentils from the vegetables group to the protein foods group to highlight their role as plant-based proteins.
It also suggests reordering the protein foods group to prioritise these legumes, followed by nuts, seeds, soy products, seafood, and finally, meats, poultry, and eggs.
Currently, beans, peas, and lentils are classified as both vegetables and protein foods.
The DGAC reaffirmed the existing recommendation to limit foods and beverages high in saturated fat, suggesting a total saturated fat intake of less than 10% of daily calories.
The committee also advises switching to lower-fat plant-based foods and avoiding coconut and palm oils.
Furthermore, the Committee proposed updates to current guidelines, highlighting plain water as the preferred beverage, specifying unsweetened low-fat dairy and soy options and advising limited consumption of sugary drinks.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said: “This report will help to ensure that the next edition of the dietary guidelines is based on current scientific evidence and medical knowledge and that future guidelines factor in socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, and culture.”
The report has been submitted to the US government's Agriculture Department and the Department of Health and Human Services for review.
A 60-day public comment period is underway, allowing the public to provide feedback.
Ultimately, the government will decide whether to adopt some or all of the recommendations.
