PBFA’s Comments on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report

On February 10, the Plant-Based Foods Association (PBFA) submitted comments on the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Scientific Report, supporting the integration of plant-based foods into the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (View our full comments here.)

Key points from PBFA’s comments include:

1. Dietary Patterns: PBFA commends the DGAC's emphasis on whole grains and plant-based protein sources. DGAC encourages the inclusion of beans, peas, lentils, and plant-based proteins, which are cost-effective, widely available, and fit into diverse cultural diets. PBFA also stresses that plant-based proteins meet all amino acid requirements and can support higher protein needs, even for athletes.
2. Milk Recommendations: PBFA supports the continued inclusion of unsweetened soy beverages in the Dietary Guidelines, noting that plant-based milks provide essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which are important for millions of Americans, including those who are lactose intolerant. DGAC’s exclusion of non-soy plant-based milks from its recommendations overlooks a nutritious and desirable alternative to dairy milk.
3. Future Research Needs: PBFA supports the DGAC’s call for additional research, including the expansion of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to capture more diverse population groups and life stages. PBFA also emphasizes the need for updates to food composition databases to keep pace with the ever-evolving food market.

In conclusion, PBFA commends the DGAC's evidence-based approach and encourages USDA and HHS to integrate more plant-based food options and plant-based milks in the final 2025 Dietary Guidelines. PBFA is committed to partnering with federal agencies to support research and innovation and to help consumers access more nutritious, sustainable food options.