What are beans considered on the food pyramid?

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, beans are a unique food because they are classified in two different food groups: the Protein Foods Group and the Vegetable Group. This dual classification answers the common question, "what are beans considered on the food pyramid?", and highlights their exceptional nutritional versatility.

Quick Summary

Beans are a unique food group due to their nutritional profile, landing them a spot in both the vegetable and protein food groups under modern dietary guidelines. Their high fiber and vitamin content aligns them with vegetables, while their significant plant-based protein content places them alongside meat and other protein sources.

Key Points

Dual Classification: Beans are considered members of both the Protein Foods Group and the Vegetable Group due to their unique nutrient profile.
Nutrient-Dense: They are a rich source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium.
Versatile Ingredient: Beans can be counted as a vegetable or protein depending on the meal and individual dietary needs.
Affordable Protein Alternative: Beans are a cost-effective and low-fat substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Modern Dietary Guidance: Current USDA MyPlate guidelines recognize legumes' dual classification, moving beyond the older Food Pyramid's single-category placement.
Rich in Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber in beans promote digestive health and can help manage cholesterol levels.
Multiple Varieties: The term 'bean' covers a wide range of legumes, each offering its own flavor and texture, from black beans to chickpeas.

The Legacy of the Food Pyramid

While the iconic Food Pyramid model from 1992 once placed beans squarely in the meat, eggs, and nuts category, nutritional science has evolved. The current guidance from the USDA, known as MyPlate, and other modern dietary recommendations recognize the complex nutrient profile of legumes, including beans, peas, and lentils. This shift acknowledges that these foods offer much more than a single macro-nutrient, justifying their presence in more than one category.

The Dual Classification: Protein and Vegetable

Beans' unique nutritional composition is the reason behind their dual classification. Their high-fiber, vitamin, and mineral content makes them nutritionally similar to vegetables, while their substantial protein content makes them a valuable meat alternative, especially in vegetarian or vegan diets. This flexibility allows you to count them in either food group, depending on your dietary needs for a particular meal.

How to Count Beans in Your Diet

Determining how to count beans depends on your overall meal composition. If you're having a chili with meat, you might count the beans as part of your vegetable intake. In a vegetarian dish like a three-bean salad or a lentil soup, the beans are likely serving as the primary protein source. This adaptability is one of their greatest strengths, offering a flexible and affordable way to meet your nutritional goals.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Beyond their classification, beans are celebrated as a superfood due to their dense nutritional profile. They are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health. Here's a closer look at what they offer:

High in Fiber: Beans are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower blood cholesterol, while insoluble fiber aids digestion and promotes regularity.
Plant-Based Protein: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or simply looking to reduce their meat consumption, beans are an invaluable source of protein. They provide amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Micronutrients: Many varieties of beans are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
Low in Fat: Compared to many animal protein sources, beans are naturally low in fat and contain no cholesterol.

The Importance of Legumes

All beans are legumes, but not all legumes are beans. The broader legume family includes lentils, peas, and peanuts, all of which share similar nutritional benefits. They are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them beneficial for both human health and the environment.

Protein vs. Vegetable: A Comparison

To better understand beans' dual role, let's compare them to a typical protein source and a non-legume vegetable.


Feature	Cooked Black Beans (as a protein)	Lean Ground Beef (as a protein)	Broccoli (as a vegetable)
Primary Nutrient Contribution	Plant-based protein, complex carbs, fiber	Animal-based protein, iron, B12	Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K
Protein Content (per 1/2 cup cooked)	Approx. 7-8 grams	Approx. 11 grams (per 1/2 cup)	Approx. 1.2 grams
Saturated Fat	Low	Higher	Very Low
Fiber	Excellent Source	Trace Amount	Excellent Source
Nutrients	Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium	Iron, Zinc, B12	Vitamin C, K, A, Folate
Cholesterol	No	Yes	No
Dietary Context	Excellent for vegetarian/vegan meals or to supplement meat.	Traditional centerpiece of a meal.	Best for side dishes, salads, and vegetable servings.

The Verdict: A Flexible and Healthy Choice

Regardless of where they fit on a food pyramid or plate, the key takeaway is that beans are a versatile and nutrient-dense component of a healthy diet. They provide an affordable way to consume high-quality protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. For meat-eaters, they can help create a leaner, lower-fat meal. For vegetarians and vegans, they are a fundamental building block for complete, satisfying meals. Integrating a variety of beans and other legumes into your weekly meals is a simple way to boost your nutritional intake and support your overall well-being.

Conclusion

While the old food pyramid might have placed beans in a single category, modern nutritional guidelines correctly acknowledge their dual identity. What are beans considered on the food pyramid? In the most current and accurate dietary models, they belong to both the Protein Foods Group and the Vegetable Group, a testament to their unique blend of plant-based protein, high fiber, and rich micronutrient content. Their classification reflects their remarkable versatility and nutritional value, cementing their status as a cornerstone of a healthy and balanced diet for everyone, regardless of dietary preference.

A Simple Step for Better Nutrition

Making the decision to incorporate more beans into your diet is a straightforward and impactful way to improve your health. Whether you add them to soups, salads, chilis, or use them as a meat substitute, their benefits are clear. Their affordability and ease of preparation make them an accessible superfood for any household. So, the next time you're planning a meal, remember that beans offer two servings of goodness in one, making them a smart and satisfying choice for your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beans are considered both a protein and a vegetable. The USDA classifies them in both the Protein Foods Group and the Vegetable Group due to their high content of both plant-based protein and fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Beans are in two food groups because their nutritional composition is exceptional. They contain significant amounts of protein, similar to meat, but also possess the high fiber, vitamin, and mineral content characteristic of many vegetables.

Yes, you can count beans as either a vegetable or a protein. How you classify them in a meal depends on how you are using them. In a vegetarian dish, they are often the main protein source, while they can supplement the vegetable count in a meat-based chili.

The iconic Food Pyramid has been largely replaced by more modern dietary models, such as the USDA's MyPlate. MyPlate provides a more flexible and accurate representation of a balanced diet, reflecting current nutritional science that better accounts for foods like beans.

Most beans, including kidney, black, pinto, and navy beans, are classified in both groups. However, some fresh beans like green beans are primarily counted as vegetables, while dried versions often hold the dual role.

For vegetarians and vegans, beans often serve as a primary source of protein, so they are typically counted in the Protein Foods Group. Their versatility still allows for flexible meal planning to meet both protein and vegetable intake goals.

Yes, in addition to being a protein and a vegetable, beans are also a great source of complex carbohydrates. These complex carbs, combined with high fiber, provide sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels.