ABSTRACT The purpose of this article and the accompany- ing vegetarian food guide pyramid graphic is to provide the con-ceptual framework for the development of a new and unique foodguide. Food guides for vegetarians have tended to be adaptationsof guides developed for the general nonvegetarian populationinstead of being designed to emphasize the healthy componentsof vegetarian dietary patterns. A subcommittee of the organizersof the Third International Congress on Vegetarian Nutritionbegan a process that led to the development of a pyramid-shapedgraphic illustration and a supporting document, both of whichwere introduced at the congress. The 5 major plant-based foodgroups (whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and seeds)form the trapezoid-shaped lower portion of the pyramid. Optionalfood groups, which may be avoided by some vegetarians (veg-etable oils, dairy, eggs, and sweets), form the smaller, separate,triangle-shaped top portion of the pyramid. The supporting docu-ment discusses the concepts that affect vegetarian food guidanceand the rationale for selecting the food groups. It is hoped thatthis framework will provide the impetus for further research anddiscussion and will lead to the development of a guide that isnutritionally adequate, is conducive to good health, and can beadopted by vegetarians of diverse eating practices.