Midtown Vegan Deli & Market (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Tucson is Named One of the ‘Best Cities for Vegetarians & Vegans’


September 25, 2024
a woman sitting at a table with food
By Hannah Hernandez
By Hannah Hernandez

There are a lot of meat-free options in Tucson these days. With meals ranging from creamy pasta to vegan poke and desserts, vegans and vegetarians have plenty to choose from!

In WalletHub’s new “Best Cities for Vegans & Vegetarians” report, they gathered a list of the best and cheapest places for plant-based diets. Out of 100 of the largest cities in the U.S., Tucson came in at number 22!

Ren Coffeehouse (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

The team at WalletHub looked at 17 key indicators of “vegan- and vegetarian-friendliness.” The data set ranges from the share of restaurants serving meatless options to the cost of groceries for vegans and vegetarians.

Around 15.7 million adults in the U.S. have ditched their carnivorous appetites, according to the report. In response, a growing number of restaurants have updated their menus to cater to vegetarians and vegans. It’s great not only for vegans and vegetarians but for those looking for something new.

“While vegetarians and vegans are still a relatively small share of the population, businesses are recognizing their impact on their market,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “Just look at businesses like McDonald’s and Burger King incorporating Beyond Meat and Impossible burgers into their menus, for example. With meat prices rising significantly faster than vegetable prices, too, we may see a lot more people taking a foray into a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle in the near future.”

Read all about it at wallethub.com.

Vegan Night Market (Photo by Peter Romano)

Speaking of vegan lifestyles, the Vegan Night Market returns Saturday, September 28 from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave. September’s Vegan Night Market will have at least 60 vendors offering vegan food of all kinds, cocktails served in a 21-and-over area, music, live tattooing, permanent jewelry, and more.

Keep scrolling to see what’s new at this month’s Vegan Night Market!

New Vegan Food
  • Vegan meatball subs from PARM Italia
  • Vegan lobster rolls from The Vegan Seaman
  • Vegan shrimp and lobster mac n cheez from Trash Panda Vegan
  • Vegan barbecue from Homegrown Smoker
  • Vegan cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholic
  • Vegan po’boys from Mayas Cajun Kitchen
  • Vegan Hawaiian food from The Aloha Menu
  • Vegan gelato from Bella’s
  • and lots more new goodies!
Returning Favorites

Over 60 vendors including all your favorites like Del Cielo, Eatgypt, Hot Sauce and Pepper, Naughty Vegan, Parkie Sandwhich, Plant Fire Pizza, Substance Diner, You Sly Dog, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and many more.

Vegan Night Market (Photo by Peter Romano)
Fully Vegan Bar

Handcrafted vegan margaritas and other cocktails, plus tastings from PHILTERS, Whiskey Del Bac, and Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea.

Chez Peachy’s Final Stand!

Visit her food truck one last time before she focuses on her new brick and mortar store downtown! (Read about it here).

Easy Parking

Parking is easy with our new venue at the Rillito Park Farmer’s Market Food Pavilion at First Avenue and River Road.

Other Highlights
  • Music from Dj Han Cholo / Goreville Wreck
  • Tattoos from Sita Rama
  • Permanent jewelry from A Forever Vibe
  • Vintage (vegan) clothing
  • Plants from Drupotia and Yellow Bird Farm

The Vegan Night Market will be located at Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave. For more information, visit vnm.tucsonfoodie.com. To keep up with the latest, follow Death Free Foodie on Instagram.

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