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 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.

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.

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.

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.

According to Taco Bell, most of their products are vegan. They say to order any item "fresco style", which replaces mayo-based sauces, cheeses, and reduced-fat sour cream with freshly prepared diced tomatoes. Then, substitute the protein with black beans, refried beans, or potato bites. In June, the chain announced that they’re testing a new Vegan Crunchwrap which is meatless and dairy-free. If all goes well, you can soon see that on menus too.

For a restaurant known for its coffee, you may be surprised by the vegan options. Dunkin offers more than 20 vegan menu items, according to their site. Dunkin' features avocado toast and a selection of non-dairy milk alternatives such as oat, almond, and coconut milk to accompany your coffee. In addition to avocado toast, vegans can enjoy other choices like avocado and roasted tomato toast, a bacon avocado tomato sandwich minus the bacon, various bagels including plain, cinnamon raisin, everything, and sesame without cream cheese, an English muffin, and hash browns.

For those seeking plant-based options, Chipotle has consistently offered a reliable meal comprising rice, beans, fajita veggies, salsa, and guacamole. The year 2013 saw a transformative addition to Chipotle's menu with the introduction of vegan sofritas. This was a game-changing choice; it features flavorful spicy braised tofu. As confirmed by the restaurant chain, their sofritas option has been given the seal of approval for both vegans and vegetarians alike.

Burger King offers the Impossible Burger patty, which is widely available across their fast-food outlets nationwide. The Impossible Whopper, just like the classic version, features an Impossible patty crafted from plant-based ingredients. Both Burger King and Impossible Foods representatives informed INSIDER that, upon request, the Impossible Whopper can be prepared separately to ensure it is not cooked on the same surface used for meat products. Additionally, Burger King has begun testing Impossible chicken nuggets.