The federal government classifies potatoes (whether they be baked, waffled, curly, fried) as a vegetable. Recently some nutritional scientists were questioning that logic as the feds updated their dietary guidelines for 2025.On today's episode, why potatoes have such sway on Capitol Hill and the real financial stakes spuds have in staying a veggie.*For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org). Music by Drop Electric). Find us: TikTok), Instagram), Facebook), Newsletter). *Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)
