2020 Diet Destinations report reveals the best and worst places to live on a plant-based diet across the USA
Research shows more consumers are adopting vegetarian and vegan diets in the United States with younger generations taking on veganism at nearly double the rate of older Americans. The consumer spending experts at money.co.uk have produced a new report, which identifies the best locations for those eating a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and omnivore diet across the USA and Europe.
The study analyses the dietary and lifestyle offering for each location per diet:
- Cost of energy costs to cook a meal
- Number of speciality restaurants
- Number of takeaway services with dietary options
- Number of speciality cooking classes
- Cost of ingredients to cook a speciality meal
Recent findings by Statista show that during 2019, 30.52% of the US citizens ate out a few times per month and more than 24% several times a week. The new data from the Diet Destinations study shows that Los Angeles, Houston and Phoenix are meeting demand with the highest numbers of speciality restaurants and takeaways in the country.
Vegans in L.A can choose from 1,036 plant-based restaurants and 1,596 takeaway services.
In comparison, there are 54% fewer vegan-friendly takeouts in New York, where locals can order from 911 spots, and 69% less in San Diego with 773 specialist takeaways in the city.
Top 10 best cities in the US to live on a plant-based diet:
Houston is named the best overall city followed by Denver, Los Angeles and Dallas.
Dallas is one of the most affordable places to buy groceries for a plant-based meal – tomatoes, onions, lettuce and rice costs $6.42 which is 58% cheaper than for shoppers in New York – here the same costs $11.79.
Despite being famous for barbequed meat dishes and chilli, Texas is the only state with two cities listed in the top 10 list. The state ranked highly for the number of speciality cooking classes and the cost of food.
The money.co.uk study revealed that Houston residents spend 59% less than city dwellers in Los Angeles to eat at home.
Based on 10 minutes cooking time, it costs 40% less in Houston to cook a homemade Vegan Risotto Salad three times a week. Yearly energy costs for cooking in the city are $1,051.20 , which is $525.60 less than in California, here residents are faced with annual costs of $1,576.80.
New York, Chicago and LA are the best places for those who enjoy socialising whilst learning invaluable cooking skills – There are 3 times more specialist vegan cooking classes than in London, the overall highest ranking city.
The country’s green metropolitan city Seattle, is listed in the 10 worst places for vegans, along with southern states and California. The cost of food in the city is third highest in the country and it has some of the lowest numbers of vegan speciality restaurants.
Worst 10 cities in the US to live on a plant-based diet:
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at money.co.uk, said: “Whether you are vegan, veggie or gluten free, our new comparison tool will reveal the best destinations for your diet. As new eating habits emerge, it’s interesting to see which cities have evolved their grocery, restaurant and takeaway offering to suit the dietary requirements of its residents.
“Cooking meals at home can soon rack up costs if you are not on the best energy deal. Our data reveals that some cities in the USA are paying almost double for their energy consumption – it’s almost enough to put you off your dinner!”
Foodies eating a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or omnivore diet can compare energy costs, number of restaurants and takeaways, speciality cooking classes and cost of food in their city in seconds with the new diet and energy comparison tool.
The full money.co.uk Diet Destinations report can be found here:
