World Pulses Day

World Pulses Day History

World Pulses Day serves as a global celebration of the nutritional and environmental benefits that pulses offer. Recognising the vital role these protein-rich legumes play in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing important issues such as food security, nutrition and climate change, the United Nations (UN) designated 2019 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). This initiative aimed to champion the critical role of pulses in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing public awareness, research and investment in the pulse industry.

The history of World Pulses Day dates back to 2019 when it was established following the successful implementation of IYP. Acknowledging the success of IYP and the growing global interest in pulses, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution declaring February 10th as World Pulses Day - a day to advocate for the continued significance and consumption of pulses around the world. Since its inception, World Pulses Day has seen an outpouring of support from governments, farmers, researchers and consumers alike, working collaboratively to ensure pulses become a staple part of diets on a global scale.

Commemorated annually on February 10th, World Pulses Day provides an opportunity for the international community to celebrate the importance of pulses in ensuring a sustainable and healthy future.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 World Pulses Day in the UK

• The upcoming World Pulses Day on 10 February 2026 marks a significant milestone in the United Kingdom’s transition towards sustainable eating, particularly through the Bang in Some Beans campaign which aims to double the nation's consumption of legumes by 2028.
• High-profile British chefs including Jamie Oliver, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and Tom Kerridge have publicised the environmental and economic benefits of pulses, highlighting that they cost roughly four and a half times less than many processed plant-based meat alternatives.
• According to the Bean Facts report released by The Food Foundation, a widespread shift towards pulse-rich diets could prevent up to 9,000 premature deaths annually in the UK by addressing the chronic fibre deficit that affects approximately 96% of the population.
• The University of Reading is spearheading an innovative project titled Raising the Pulse which has successfully developed a way to enhance standard white bread by substituting wheat flour with faba bean flour, significantly increasing the protein and iron content of the UK's most popular staple food.
• Agriculture experts at the Processors and Growers Research Organisation have unveiled a new Descriptive List for 2026 featuring high-yielding British-grown varieties such as the early-maturing Patagonia winter bean and the disease-resistant Callas spring bean.
• While the traditional baked bean remains a cultural icon, food trend forecasts in BBC Good Food and Good Housekeeping for 2026 suggest a growing appetite for diverse pulses, including the use of carlin peas in gourmet burgers and butter beans as a textural replacement for pasta in carbonara.
• Environmental studies indicate that pulses are uniquely suited to the British climate and act as nitrogen-fixers, meaning they naturally enrich the soil and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers that contribute to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Creative culinary works like the cookbook Beans by Ali Honour are gaining traction by demonstrating how versatile pulses can be used in everything from hearty breakfast smashes to innovative desserts.
• Recent nutritional data confirms that just three heaped tablespoons of pulses count as one of your 5-a-day, providing a slow-release energy source with a low glycaemic index that is particularly beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes and heart health.
• Major UK retailers like Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose have signed on as keen bean pledgers, committing to increase the visibility and variety of dried and tinned pulses available on British supermarket shelves throughout 2026.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Pulses Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Pulses Day

• Learn more about pulses and their benefits with an educational video by the FAO.
• Learn about the Global Pulse Confederation, a not for profit hoping to create an inclusive global pulse organization.
• Cook some Pulse-rich dishes: The UK has a diverse food scene, so try some dishes like dal, bean salads, chickpea stews, etc.