In a surprising turn of events, the US Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is contemplating whether potatoes should still be considered a vegetable in the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Currently, the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines recognize potatoes as part of the starchy vegetables category and recommend Americans aged two and older consume five cup-equivalents per week. If the committee proceeds with its reconsideration, potatoes might find themselves grouped alongside rice and other carbohydrates rather than being classified as a vegetable.
The dietary guidelines play a crucial role in shaping nutritional advice and influencing school cafeteria menus across the nation. The potential reclassification of potatoes has raised concerns among growers and industry representatives, along with researchers, nutritionists, and plant-based food advocates alike.