The USDA just announced that per capita vegetable and pulse availability in the United States fell to just 376 pounds last year—the lowest level in more than 35 years. The last time it was this low was in 1988. That figure is down significantly from the 1996 peak of 426 pounds per person and reflects a long-term downward trend in overall vegetable consumption.
While fresh vegetables (excluding melons) accounted for 39 percent of the 2024 total, processing vegetables made up 26 percent, potatoes 31 percent, and mushrooms 1 percent, pulses contributed just 3 percent to the total. Those ratios have stayed relatively stable over the years, but the data tells a deeper story. Among all categories, only pulses have seen a consistent—albeit modest—upward trend in availability.
That’s an encouraging sign for pulse growers, particularly in Montana, which leads the nation in pulse production.
Pulses on the Rise
Though pulses remain a small portion of the total—just 3 percent—they continue to inch upward. This growth is being driven by several intersecting trends:
- A growing consumer focus on health and nutrition
- USDA dietary guidelines that promote legumes as a protein source
- The rise of clean-label and plant-forward diets
- Innovation in food manufacturing, with pulses now used in snacks, pasta, baked goods, and protein-enriched products
According to a report from Future Market Insights, the U.S. pulses market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.0% from 2025 to 2035, reaching an estimated USD 13.5 billion by the end of that period. That’s no small number—and it reflects both growing domestic demand and expanded uses for value-added pulse products such as flours, protein isolates, and high-fiber ingredients.
Challenges and Global Headwinds
Despite this promising outlook, Montana growers should remain aware of global market challenges. Social media posts online and other trade news sources report subdued international activity, lower prices, and exporter caution—all of which may influence U.S. pricing and availability. Weather continues to play a critical role in global supply chains, too. Heavy rains in Canada and storms in parts of North Dakota have disrupted harvests, and that could affect both the pulse supply and contract pricing in the months ahead.
At the same time, U.S. researchers continue to explore ways to enhance the nutritional profile of pulses. A recent study published in Antioxidants highlights the potential for pulses to offer antidiabetic properties, which could open doors to new health-driven product categories in the years ahead.
What This Means for Montana Pulse Growers
Montana growers are uniquely positioned to benefit from the expanding interest in pulse crops. As the rest of the vegetable category sees declines or flat trends, pulses are finding their way into more shopping carts, food labels, and dietary recommendations.
But growth doesn’t mean guaranteed success. Navigating trade volatility, supply chain bottlenecks, and shifting consumer habits will be key. As demand grows, so does the need for Montana producers to continue innovating, building relationships in both domestic and export markets, and promoting the health and environmental benefits of the crops they grow.
Pulses may still represent a small share of U.S. vegetable availability, but if these trends continue, they could become one of the most dynamic—and valuable—segments of American agriculture.
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