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!
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
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.
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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Article written by:
Hannah Hernandez
More about HannahOne of Tucson’s distinguished media creators, Hannah Hernandez, also known as Death Free Foodie, navigates the realms of digital imagery, video editing, and photography.
The trajectory of Hannah’s life changed in 2017 when she adopted a vegan lifestyle, which invited new ways of relating to food and its sources. Choosing to start with sources most immediate to her, Hannah eagerly began exploring local vegan purveyors. Before she knew it she was applying her creative passions toward promoting vegan businesses and makers around Tucson, and Death Free Foodie was born.
Through Death Free Foodie came increased exposure to Tucson’s vegan culture and communities, and it was only a matter of time before Hannah acquired a dedicated following. The growth of Death Free Foodie paralleled Hannah’s personal growth beyond her comfort zones, and she welcomed a new chapter of endless foodie experiences and community involvement.
As means of relaxing, Hannah enjoys dancing and painting her heart out. She also has a garden in her backyard where she grows her favorite herbs, fruits, and veggies.
You can catch glimpses of the many expressions of Hannah’s life’s harvest via her Instagram stories. If you’re curious to see what Hannah’s up to next, follow her at @Deathfreefoodie and check out the link in her bio for reliable access to vegan content.
