Join the challenge to put more #beansonthemenu!

Calling all food service organizations to join us in making beans and pulses visible, exciting, accessible and must-have menu items.

Learn how you can contribute to our mission of doubling global bean consumption by 2028.

Why Do Beans Make Good Business Sense?

Every day, food service providers craft millions of meals for customers around the world. Through climate-smart ingredient sourcing, creative menu design, and enticing promotions, you have the power to drive dietary trends toward affordable, healthy, and delicious choices.

Beans offer a simple, affordable solution to our global health, climate, and cost-of-living challenges. They have incredible versatility and flavor potential which will satisfy eaters’ cravings for the nostalgia of home cooked meals, or adventure of new culinary delights.

Joining our initiative can help your organization:

Communicate your values and join a global movement
Meet organizational targets (in sustainability, nutrition, and affordability)
Cater to Health and Climate Conscious Consumers
Enhance Economic Viability
Boost Culinary Innovation and Appeal

How to Participate

Confirm your participation by filling out the below form
Make key decisions about how to ensure more #BeansOntheMenu, such as:
- Company wide policies to have a certain % of beans on menus
- New products or dishes to introduce
- Product placements to encourage intake
- Menu description updates
Share updates on your progress and be featured as a case study

Join the Bean Menu Challenge

More Ways to Promote the Value of Beans

1. Track and share updates on bean sales and inventory
2. Highlight your commitment to #beansonthemenu with your staff, customers, and social media followers
3. Feature beans in promotional marketing and sales campaigns
4. Host educational awareness campaigns using Beans is How’s resources for staff and eaters
5. Consider chef trainings and friendly competitions to promote culinary innovation

See Case Studies

BaxterStorey

In 2023, this leading food service provider became the first to commit to #BeansOnTheMenu in the UK

>> SEE RESULTS <<

Climate Week NYC

with NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy

22 September – 16 October 2024

>> SEE RESULTS <<

Nairobi Burger Week

with EatOut Kenya

22 August – 1 September 2024

>> SEE RESULTS <<

UK Challenge

Chefs and food service organizations across the UK are putting more #BeansOnTheMenu

>> GET INVOLVED <<

Join #BeansOnTheMenu

SIGN UP FORM!

FAQ

Find answers to common questions!

What is Beans is How?

Beans is How is an ambitious campaign to double the global consumption of beans and other pulses by 2028. Launched in November 2022, Beans is How consists of a Coalition of stakeholders working together to achieve the campaign’s strategic goals – currently at nearly 100 partners in 50 countries.

What is the Bean Menu Challenge, or #beansonthemenu?

The Bean Menu Challenge is an initiative targeting restaurants, caterers, cafés, schools, and other food providers to put more #beansonthemenu locally, making beans and other pulses a visible, desirable food choice.

Who is eligible to join?

Food service organizations, including catering companies servicing schools, hospitals, offices, events, etc.
Restaurants
Private chefs

Organizations working in the food hospitality who may not feature neatly into the above can be listed as a partner.

Do I have to use a certain type of bean?

You can use beans, peas, lentils or any pulse in the larger Fabaceae family. We invite you to explore the diversity of beans, including local varieties; the more the better!

Do I have to have a certain percentage or number of #beansonthemenu to qualify?

We have no specific requirements, except for having beans visibly mentioned on your menu; however, the more beans the better!

- They can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or in between as snacks.
- They can be a standalone dish, a side, a topping or a (not so secret) ingredient to elevate sauces, spreads, desserts or drinks – packing extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients into your dish.
- They can be elevated to fine dining, or gourmet street food.

Push the boundaries of how beans are used in your dish!

I need some more culinary inspiration. Do you have examples of great bean recipes?

YES – you can find lots of recipes on our website here.

Do I have to pay to participate?

There is no financial contribution required to participate. Just fill out the form, add the dish to your meal, and help us promote the value of beans while sharing your culinary contribution.

Are there winners to the challenge, or a prize?

This is not a contest, but a movement to make beans visible, exciting and desirable by collaborating with chefs – the most trusted champion voices in the culinary world.

What resources are available to learn more about beans?

You can find some quick facts about beans on our “All About Beans” page, or dig into our “Brilliance of Beans” Report, Theory of Change, Annual Reports, and find more in-depth information on our “Resources” page.