Northern Pulse Growers Push for New Dietary Status
The trade group wants pulses classified as both vegetables and proteins in federal dietary guidelines.
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 update how pulses are categorized in national nutrition standards. They argue that identifying these crops as both vegetables and protein sources would better reflect their nutritional value.
Why it matters
Updating the classification could help grow the consumer market for dry peas, lentils, and chickpeas by highlighting their dual-purpose role in a balanced diet. This change is part of a larger push by growers in North Dakota and Montana to boost profitability.
The Northern Pulse Growers Association represents producers across two states, North Dakota and Montana. Despite record-high prices last year, the association has seen an increase in pulse acreage this year as growers adapt to market demand.
The players
Northern Pulse Growers Association
This trade association supports growers of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, lupins, and fava beans in the Northern Plains.
The Real Food Dietitians
This nutrition-focused organization partners with industry groups to develop healthy, accessible recipes for home cooks.
USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture is the federal agency responsible for developing and promoting dietary guidelines for Americans.
The details
The organization is actively promoting pulse consumption through educational outreach and culinary partnerships, including a new pulse-based hamburger helper recipe developed with The Real Food Dietitians. Growers are increasingly integrating these crops into their existing rotations to meet evolving consumption trends.
Timeline
Pulse prices reached high levels last year.
Pulse acreage increased this year.
Culture Shift
The push to redefine the nutritional role of pulses follows the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which currently provide the structure for public health and dietary recommendations. By seeking a dual classification, the association aims to align federal policy with modern dietary trends.
Readers may see more pulse-based ingredients appearing in commercial food products and recipes as the industry emphasizes their nutritional versatility. This shift could make it easier for households to find affordable, plant-based protein alternatives in grocery aisles.
The takeaway
Pulses are increasingly viewed as a key component of sustainable and healthy home cooking due to their nutrient density. Integrating lentils, peas, or chickpeas into traditional meals is a simple way to boost fiber and protein intake without sacrificing flavor.
Further reading
Learn more about nutritional staples in our Healthy Food section.
More information
Try the organization's new pulse-based hamburger helper recipe for a meal option.
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?
