Florida Shines with Best Cities for Vegans and Vegetarians
Transitioning to a meatless diet can present challenges for some, but it’s becoming easier to discover plant-based options in grocery stores and restaurants. Going vegan or vegetarian is a choice that millions of Americans have made and in recognition of this, October 1 has been designated as World Vegetarian Day and November 1 as World Vegan Day; WalletHub, a financial advisory website, has published a report on cities that are best for vegans and vegetarians.
According to the website, one of the concerns expressed by people regarding vegetarian or vegan diets is related to cost. However, considering that meat prices have increased compared to fruits and vegetables, some Americans may consider incorporating vegetarian or vegan meals into their diet a better option.
Certain U.S. cities offer several cost-effective choices for budget-conscious people who follow plant-based diets. To assess the best and most affordable cities for plant-based diets, WalletHub conducted an analysis of the 100 largest U.S. cities, examining 17 key indicators related to vegan and vegetarian friendliness. They assessed each city based on metrics such as the cost of groceries for vegetarians, the proportion of restaurants offering meatless options, and the availability of salad shops per capita. Each metric received a score on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 indicating the most favorable conditions for vegans and vegetarians.
Florida has three cities in the top 15.
Florida has three cities in the top 15 rankings for being the best for vegetarians and vegans. These cities include Orlando, holding the 3rd position, Miami, securing the 8th spot, and Tampa, placing 12th. Meanwhile, further down the list, we find Jacksonville at 69, St. Petersburg at 74, and Hialeah at 77.
Orlando and St. Petersburg garnered attention in the study for having the highest percentage of restaurants offering vegan menu options. Miami and Tampa, on the other hand, received recognition for their high presence of juice and smoothie bars and vegetable nurseries per capita. Miami was particularly spotlighted for having the most salad shops per capita among the cities analyzed.
The top 3
In the top three rankings, Portland, Oregon secures the leading position, followed by Los Angeles, California in second place, and Orlando at the third spot. On the lower end of the rankings, we find Greensboro, North Carolina ranked at 100, followed by Baltimore, Maryland at 99, and Chula Vista, California at 98.
Take a look at the complete study here, to see how other cities fared in their rankings.
4 Fast-Food Restaurants Flavorful Plant-Based Picks
The once-challenging quest for vegan options at fast-food restaurants has gotten a lot easier in recent years. Gone are the days of painstakingly customizing orders to suit specific dietary needs. Or worse, just having French fries and lettuce. Fast-food chains have taken significant strides in recent years, expanding their menus to offer an array of plant-based choices.
Plenty of fast-food chains have recognized the shifting dietary preferences of their customers and have embraced the challenge of providing satisfying vegan options. The evolution of vegan choices at these establishments has been impressive. From the golden arches of well-known burger joints to the cozy corners of popular sandwich shops, the vegan revolution has made its mark.
Plant-based and vegan fast-food options
Vegans no longer have to rely solely on customizing existing meals to meet their dietary requirements. Instead, they can revel in the sheer variety that now graces the menus of fast-food chains. These establishments now proudly feature vegan burgers that sizzle and satisfy, dairy-free milkshakes, and even plant-based twists on classic comfort foods.
With an increasing number of people embracing plant-based lifestyles and seeking sustainable dining choices, the fast-food industry has risen to the occasion. These establishments understand that providing diverse options isn’t just about following a trend but about fostering inclusivity and catering to many people with specific tastes and needs. So, the next time you’re in a hurry and hunger strikes, rest assured that the vegan options at fast-food restaurants are not only abundant but also thoughtfully crafted to satisfy your cravings and nourish your values.
Whether you’re on a diet, dairy-free, vegetarian, or simply vegan there are fast-food places for you to grab a quick bite. Check out these fast-food vegan restaurant menu items. If you’re a very strict vegan, you might consider checking with the establishment regarding any potential cross-contamination with meat products when placing your order.
Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.
She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.
A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.
She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.
