Pulses can be considered as meat alternatives rather than vegetables (or in addition to being vegetables) in some cultures. Products obtained from soybeans such as tofu and soy-based meat substitutes are often grouped with protein-rich foods (meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds), rather than with vegetables. Soymilk is usually classified in the milk group, with the assumption that it is fortified with calcium.

Peanuts (groundnuts) are a type of pulse with different cultural uses (e.g. snack food, part of a main dish, boiled side-dish, peanut butter, or peanut sauce). Peanuts are usually considered to be nuts and grouped with the protein-rich foods.

Fresh or sweet corn is a cereal grain, but is generally used as vegetable.

Although the majority of fruit and vegetables are low in fat, many (avocados, coconut, olives) have higher fat content and various uses in cuisines. Avocados and olives can be grouped with fruit, vegetables or fats. Coconut can be grouped with nuts, fruit (e.g. cut or shredded in a fruit salad) or vegetables (e.g. used in stews mixed with meats and other vegetables).

Taxonomically, mushrooms (fungi) do not belong to the plant kingdom but they are commonly considered to be vegetables because of their culinary use.

Tubers and starchy roots as potatoes can be classified either as vegetables or grains.

Processed fruit and vegetables (juiced, frozen, canned and dried) are usually part of the F&V group; however, fruit juices and dried fruits have higher energy content in comparison to fresh fruit. In many dietary guidelines ( Public Health England 2016, DGE 2013 ) , fruit juices are considered to be part of F&V only up to a certain amount (typically one glass/day); in some other guidelines ( Swedish Dietary Guidelines 2015 ) fruit juices are not part of the F&V group.