JUST IN: RFK Drops Beans, Peas, and Lentils as Protein Source Ahead of

JUST IN: RFK Drops Beans, Peas, and Lentils as Protein Source Ahead of New Dietary Guidelines

RFK just made headlines—he’s axed beans, peas, and lentils from the protein category in the latest dietary guidelines. His message? Animal protein reigns supreme, backed by robust evidence. Using the DIAAS (Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score) to scrutinize protein sources, experts consistently find—animal proteins outperform plant proteins in both amino acid completeness and bioavailability. That protein label? It’s just a number unless your body can actually use it.

After all, protein does the heavy lifting—building and repairing tissues (muscles, skin, organs), crafting hormones and enzymes, firing up the immune system, transporting nutrients like oxygen, and fueling your body. Emerging evidence even links adequate protein intake—especially high-quality animal protein—to longer, healthier lives. So why gamble with sub-par protein?

The message is clear: animal protein > plant protein. Now, let’s break it down—meme by meme.

1. Breaking: RFK drops…beans, lentils and peas as protein sources

Cue the red alert: legumes have officially been fired from the protein lineup. RFK's bold move signals what nutrition geeks have long suspected—those “protein-rich” beans might not be the MVPs they claim to be. It's a mic drop moment that cuts through food-label smoke and mirrors.

2. RFK: Animal protein > plant protein

This isn't just social media posturing. Under the DIAAS system, animal-based proteins typically score higher than plant-based ones—a fact echoed by both the FAO and multiple studies. That means you’re getting a protein that’s more complete and more digestible when it comes from flesh, not fiber. Nutrition at IllinoisOxford AcademicScienceDirect

3. Dropping peas, beans, lentils from the protein category makes sense…unlike meat, they are not complete proteins

Legumes are missing key amino acids—or are so poorly digested that they barely count. Many pulses fall short on DIAAS benchmarks, with scores well below the 75% threshold required for protein claims. PMC+1

4. Not all protein was made equal

Let’s talk science. Animal proteins—think meat, eggs, dairy—are usually ‘excellent’ on DIAAS, often scoring 100% or more. In contrast, plant staples lag. For example, cooked pipe dream legumes like peas and lentils score far lower—too low to be reliable sources of essential amino acids. News-MedicalPMCResearchGateMDPI

5. The study found animal protein scores above 100

Yes indeed. In one DIAAS study, pork and beef burgers without buns scored in the “excellent” zone (DIAAS ≥ 100). Meanwhile, plant-based patties—like pea-based Beyond Burger—couldn’t keep up. When paired with buns? The animal patties still held strong above 100. News-Medical

6. Beans and lentils are survival food

Don’t get us wrong—beans and lentils are economical, shelf-stable, and have historically filled bellies in lean times. They’re great when famine looms or budgets are tight. But filling up doesn’t equal fuelling well—especially if your aim is top-tier protein nutrition.

7. Beans and lentils can have a heavy anti-nutrient load

Legumes come loaded with anti-nutrients—things like phytates and lectins—that hinder nutrient absorption. That’s part of why their PDCAAS and DIAAS scores are lower, and why combining them doesn't necessarily make up for their limitations. MDPIOntario Bean Growers

8. Best sources of protein vs poor sources

Best (Animal): Beef, pork, chicken, eggs, dairy—top-tier and complete DIAAS ≥ 100.
Poor (Legumes): Soy, potato, peas, chickpeas, lentils, broad beans—DIAAS generally < 75, sometimes < 60, making them unreliable as sole protein sources. ResearchGateMDPIPMC

Closing

So, what’s the bottom line for our Carnivore Bar readers? When RFK axed peas, beans, and lentils from the protein category, he lit a fire under nutrition science. DIAAS makes it clear: animal proteins provide complete, highly digestible amino acids that plant proteins often miss. While beans quiet the hunger, they don’t necessarily deliver high-impact nutrition. If you want truly potent protein—to build muscle, support immunity, or just stay sharp and vital—animal protein simply performs better. Stick with what your body is built for—meat, and plenty of it.

References

Fanelli, Natalia S., et al. “Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) Is Greater in Animal-Based Burgers than in Plant-Based Burgers if Determined in Pigs.” European Journal of Nutrition, vol. 61, no. 1, Feb. 2022, pp. 461–475. News-Medical
Herreman, L., et al. “Distinctive DIAAS Between Protein Sources.” PMC, 2020. PMC
Oh, J., et al. “Determination of Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score of Food Sources Using Pig Model.” Animals, MDPI, 2025. MDPI
Search result on DIAAS general: Wikipedia contributors. “Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score.” Wikipedia, last month. Wikipedia
Rojas Conzuelo, Z., et al. “Protein Quality Changes of Vegan Day Menus…” Nutrients, MDPI, 2022. MDPI