September 16, 2026
Beans, lentils and chickpeas are set to become a regular feature of school meals in England, with new standards requiring them at least once a week. The rules also expand their role as a protein source, including in vegetarian options. Published on September 14, the changes mark the first major update to England’s school food standards in more than a decade.
England’s updated school food standards aim to increase children’s access to pulses while supporting healthier, more varied diets.
The new requirements are part of the first major update to England’s school food standards in more than a decade.
England is moving to include pulses firmly on school menus as part of an overhaul of its School Food Standards, published by the Department for Education on September 14, 2026. The standards, which have been in place for more than a decade, are being updated to reflect current dietary recommendations, with greater emphasis on fibre, fruit and vegetables and a wider range of healthy protein sources.
Under the revised framework, schools will have to include beans, lentils and chickpeas within or alongside all main menu options at least once a week. At least one vegetarian main option must contain pulses as the main protein on three days each week. Pulses will also count alongside meat and poultry towards the requirement to serve a portion of one of these protein sources on three or more days a week.
The updated standards also expand plant-based options, adding fortified pea drinks alongside unsweetened soya and oat drinks, and allowing compliant plant-based yoghurt alternatives and hummus as snacks. Fruit juice and combination drinks remain excluded.
The changes are not yet legally in force. The government plans to lay the regulations in October 2026, subject to Parliamentary approval, with most of the revised standards taking effect from September 2027. Secondary schools will have until September 2028 to reach the full weekly pulse requirement, with a transition period during 2027/28.
Nutrition, environment and the practical challenge
The nutritional case is particularly relevant to the pulse changes. The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey, covering 2019–2023, found that average fibre intake among children was 14.5g a day at ages 4–10 and 15.4g at ages 11–18, below recommendations of 20g and 25g respectively. Only 14% of 4–10-year-olds and 4% of 11–18-year-olds met the recommendation.
The government says pulses provide protein, fibre and micronutrients, and that increasing their use supports both its nutritional and environmental aims. The consultation attracted 5,216 responses from parents, pupils, schools, caterers, local authorities, health professionals and other organisations. Respondents highlighted the nutritional benefits of increasing pulses and, in many cases, their lower environmental impact compared with meat.
The consultation also highlighted the practical side of putting more pulses on children's plates. For schools and caterers, the change will mean adapting menus and recipes, sourcing suitable products and finding ways to make pulse-based meals appealing to children, while also addressing issues such as affordability, meal uptake, food waste and kitchen skills. But no doubt the challenge will be worth it.
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
