U.S. Bean Consumption Rising as Consumers Seek Low-Cost Fiber Sources

Interest in beans and other pulses has grown as consumers look for affordable sources of fiber and protein. The U.S. bean industry has set a goal of doubling American consumption of pulses by 2030. Grocery prices have prompted more people to consider beans.

Bean-centric recipes appear frequently on social media, and some consumers now purchase trendier bean-based products. One heirloom-bean service maintains a waitlist of tens of thousands.

Tim McGreevy, CEO of USA Pulses, said there is a renaissance in bean interest. He stated that beans can help people feel good and that U.S. consumption of beans, peas, and lentils was higher in the first half of the 20th century than today. Henry J.

Thompson, a Colorado State University professor, said beans are affordable and offer health benefits. He noted that only 7.4 percent of American adults meet the recommended daily fiber intake.

Joël Broekaert, author of A History of the World in Twelve Beans, said beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that help maintain soil health. He stated that increased availability of meat in the last century reduced reliance on beans. Steve Sando, owner of Rancho Gordo, said demand for heirloom beans has grown since the company began in 2001.

The Rancho Gordo Bean Club now has 30,000 active members and a waiting list of 32,000 people. Madeline Schapiro, who posts as Bean Supporter on social media, said she began increasing bean intake in 2017. She stated that beans changed her life and now shares recipes such as lentil granola and bean-ana bread.