Potatoes May No Longer Be Considered “Vegetables” — Here’s What That Means

Potatoes May No Longer Be Considered “Vegetables” — Here’s What That Means

Published: January 4, 2024

Key Takeaways:

• Potatoes, a beloved staple food, may be reclassified from a vegetable to a grain by the USDA in 2025.
• This proposed change has sparked heated debates within the nutrition and food industries.
• Despite the controversy, potatoes remain a nutrient-dense food with multiple health benefits.

America’s Love Affair with Potatoes

Potatoes are cherished across the United States, prepared in various delicious forms like mashed potatoes, baked spuds, or crispy fries. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the average American consumes roughly 120 pounds of potatoes annually. However, a potential change to the dietary guidelines by the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee may change how potatoes are officially categorized.

Why Reclassifying Potatoes is Being Considered

The USDA is exploring the idea of reclassifying starchy vegetables—like white and sweet potatoes, winter squash, and plantains—as grains. The rationale? To encourage Americans to consume more nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources regularly.

While some experts see this as a positive step, it has also attracted criticism. Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, voiced strong opposition to the proposal, calling it unscientific and emphasizing that potatoes are an accessible, nutrient-dense vegetable that can help fill the gap in vegetable consumption across the country.

Potatoes Are Still Nutrient-Packed

Despite any potential reclassification, potatoes won’t suddenly lose their health benefits. Registered Dietitian Brookell White reassures us that potatoes are still, biologically speaking, a vegetable with impressive nutrient content.

“Potatoes can absolutely fit into a balanced and healthy diet,” says White. They are low in calories, rich in potassium, calcium, vitamin B6, iron, and fiber. Additionally, potatoes contain resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that benefits the gut microbiome, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps keep you feeling fuller longer.

A Silver Lining in Eating More Diverse Veggies

Reclassifying potatoes as a grain could prompt people to diversify their vegetable intake and explore non-starchy options more regularly. “It’s important to consume a wide array of vegetables to ensure you’re getting optimal micronutrients,” White recommends. Think of eating a “rainbow” of vegetables to maximize the variety of nutrients on your plate.

A Potential Positive Shift in the National Diet

White also sees potential benefits from this change, especially in shaping national health policies and food assistance programs. “Most of the vegetables consumed in the US are potatoes and tomatoes, often in forms like French fries and pizza sauce. If potatoes are excluded, it may help to reveal a more accurate picture of our vegetable consumption habits,” she explains.

Tips for Healthier Potato Consumption

No matter how they are classified, potatoes deserve a place on your plate when consumed thoughtfully. Preparation matters, so try to avoid frying potatoes or adding excess sugar, salt, and animal fats. Instead, opt for baked, roasted, or boiled potatoes for a healthier alternative.

Bottom Line: Potatoes Still Deserve a Spot in Your Diet

Potatoes remain a healthy vegetable option—rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The USDA’s proposed change, if implemented, aims to promote a more varied vegetable intake, but it doesn’t change the fact that a good baked potato is both nutritious and delicious.

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