Potatoes: Not Vegetables? What It Means

It is well-known that Americans have a fondness for potatoes. They consume them in all forms, including mashed, baked, and fried, and they eat a significant amount.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the average American consumes approximately 120 pounds of potatoes annually. However, despite their deliciousness, baked potatoes and french fries may soon cease to be officially categorized as vegetables.

The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is currently reviewing the dietary guidelines for 2025, and one potential change is to reclassify starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and plantains, as grains. The aim is to encourage Americans to consume more nutrient-rich carbohydrates regularly.

“The proposal to reclassify potatoes as a non-vegetable lacks any scientific basis,” stated Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, during a recent hearing of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

He emphasized that potatoes are a versatile, affordable, and popular nutrient-rich food choice for both children and adults. He urged the committee to reconsider removing potatoes from the vegetable category, stating that Americans do not consume enough vegetables and potatoes play a crucial role in bridging this gap.

We spoke with Brookell White, a Registered Dietitian who works with MyFitnessPal, to learn how the new classification might affect our eating habits.

First, some good news: Brookell reassured us that even though the USDA may not classify potatoes as vegetables, they are still vegetables—and healthy ones.

“Eating potatoes regularly can be part of a healthy and balanced diet,” she explains. “Potatoes are low in calories, high in potassium, calcium, and vitamin B6, and a good source of iron and fiber.”

Plus, they contain resistant starch, which she says can improve your gut microbiome and insulin sensitivity and also help you feel full for longer.

That being said, considering a potato a grain might encourage people to start eating more non-starchy vegetables.

According to White, substituting potatoes for whole grains or choosing potatoes over other vegetables could lead to a lack of essential nutrients. She emphasizes the importance of consuming a variety of colorful vegetables to ensure optimal micronutrient intake.

White expresses optimism, stating that potatoes and tomatoes, along with french fries and pizza sauce, constitute a significant portion of vegetable consumption in the US. She suggests that removing potatoes from this category may provide a more accurate reflection of actual vegetable intake. Additionally, she believes this change could benefit food assistance programs and national health goals.

In summary, regardless of their classification, potatoes remain a healthy vegetable that deserves a place in your diet. However, White cautions against unhealthy preparation methods, such as frying, adding sugar, or using excessive animal fat or salt, as these can lead to excessive sodium, calorie, or saturated fat intake.

If you are enjoying a baked potato, it counts as a serving of vegetables for the day.