UK Makes Beans Compulsory & Adds Fortified Pea Milk to School Food Menus

Schools in the UK are now required to serve legumes like beans, lentils, and chickpeas at least once a week as part of updated school food standards. These new regulations also include fortified pea milk and plant-based yogurt as options on school menus, aiming to provide more plant-based protein sources and healthier food choices for students. The government's first update to national school food standards in over a decade also includes restrictions on processed meat and sugary foods, and a ban on deep-fried foods.

In response to research showing the health benefits of plant-based diets and the environmental impact of meat consumption, these new standards aim to increase fiber intake and reduce saturated fat consumption amongst British children. The government received over 2,270 responses during the consultation period, with a majority supporting the inclusion of more plant-based options in school meals. With the expansion of the free school meals scheme to all families on Universal Credit, over three million children will now benefit from these healthier and more diverse food choices in UK schools.