Maybe it’s cultural. Maybe there’s a socioeconomic stigma. Maybe it was that scene in Blazing Saddles. Whatever it is, Americans don’t eat that many beans, even though beans solve a lot of problems being addressed by much more complicated and expensive solutions. Vox: Eat more beans. Please. “There’s a simple way to provide plenty of protein that doesn’t require animals or plant-based startups: beans. Beans are high in protein, efficient to grow, and can even improve soil health. They cost less than conventional or new plant-based meats, and they’re increasingly getting attention among foodies. As one global campaign to double bean consumption by 2028 frames it, the answer to the question of how we can get inexpensive protein without sacrificing animals or the planet is simple: ‘Beans is how.'” Cool beans.