Tag: Grain vs bean

According to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, beans are considered part of both the vegetable and protein food groups, which often leads to confusion. However, the truth is that beans are neither a grain nor a cereal; they are legumes. Understanding this distinction is key to building a nutritious and balanced diet.

Botanically, the soybean ($Glycine max$) is a legume, specifically a bean, not a grain. This common classification confusion arises from how soybeans are grown and processed, often leading people to question if soy is a grain or a bean.