Campaign launched to double bean consumption

We want to see a UK where everyone – regardless of income – is empowered to cook and eat beans.

We want to see more beans available and in more delicious ways on supermarket shelves, in schools, and on menus when eating out and about, making them much easier to access and more appealing.

We believe beans can play a key role in shifting UK diets towards more healthy and sustainable eating patterns. 

Beans are a win-win-win for climate, health and equity outcomes

They are healthy: high fibre, no cholesterol, low fat, a rich source of protein and a good source of micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. They also count as up to one of your 5-a-day.

They are planet friendly: with much lower greenhouse gas emissions relative to animal foods. Their nitrogen-fixing qualities also mean they can reduce the need for fertilizers, supporting soil health and biodiversity goals.

They are affordable: crucially, in a cost-of-living crisis, they are more affordable than both animal protein and other plant-based meat alternatives. Consumption is not affected by income – nobody in the UK is eating enough regardless of income.

They are also enjoyed by a wide range of different cultures and communities and used in many diverse global cuisines.

How we’ll work to achieve our goal

Throughout the cost of living crisis many people have been wondering how to make their weekly shop more affordable, while still being able to serve tasty, convenient and healthy meals that are climate friendly.

Working together with partners from across the food system – from retailers and manufacturers, to restaurant chains and caterers - we’re launching a UK-wide campaign with a simple mission: we want to get people eating more beans (including legumes and pulses)!

About the Beans project 

Thanks to National Lottery players, The Food Foundation, alongside Veg Power and Kent University Students' Union, will encourage people across the UK to eat sustainable food sources such as beans, lentils and pulses, as a way of helping them take achievable and affordable climate action.

The beans project has received almost £1.4m from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest funder of community activity, and aims to reduce the impact of diets on greenhouse gas emissions, whilst creating a long-term shift towards healthier and more sustainable dietary habits. With the support of local and national food businesses, activities will include a digital campaign to engage the public.

This grant comes from the Climate Action Fund, a £100 million commitment over 10 years from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to take action on climate change and involve more people in climate action. This forms part of one of the funder’s four key missions in its 2030 strategy, ‘It starts with community’ - supporting communities to be environmentally sustainable.

With thanks to our funder