Eating out can be tough when you are trying to eat healthy. There are so many things to consider when choosing food for yourself or your family, especially if you are on-the-go or are trying to save money! That’s why I’ve compiled a list of chain restaurants that are found all around the United States that prioritize real ingredients and have options for people who are following specific ways of eating like vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, paleo, and more.
Asian Box
- Where it is: California (Bay Area and Los Angeles)
- Why it’s a good option: There are a lot of gluten and dairy free options. Asian Box also makes it easy for a person following a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or whole 30 meal plan to find something yummy. The website also says, “No ground up parts, fillers, no additives, no coloring. Our products never touch hormones, additives, steroids, pesticides, antibiotics and are simply all-natural.”
- Why it’s not the best option: Aside from an organic tea that they sell, the website does not indicate that the food is not organic or exactly where the food is sourced.
- Recommendation: Create your own box with brown rice, coconut curry tofu, pickled veggies, fresh bean sprouts, fresh lime wedge, fresh herbs, crispy shallots, and peanut sauce.
- Price: ranges from $10-15
Beefsteak
- Where it is: DC, Chicago, and Miami
- Why it’s a good option: There are vegan and gluten-free options. The website states, “Beefsteak isn’t vegetarian, though our food proudly celebrates the unsung power of vegetables — as farm-fresh as possible, whether year-round favorites or the best of each season. Deliciously matched with hearty grains, freshly-made sauces, crisp greens, and flavorful toppings.” Beefsteak is easy for a person following a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or whole 30 meal plan to find options.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, natural, locally-sourced, or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Custom Veggie Creation, Warm Veggie Bowl with quinoa, black bean sauce, cilantro sauce, half avocado, cherry tomatoes, spiralized cucumbers, cabbage slaw, and crispy onions.
- Price: $7-15
Blaze Pizza
- Where it is: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: You can get a vegan and gluten-free pizza that tastes good. The website states, “We believe in Here and Now. To us, that means fresh dough, NEVER FROZEN, made in-house each day simply from unbleached flour, filtered water, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and a touch of sugar. No chemicals. No additives. No kidding. We’ve also nixed the nitrites from our cured meats, switched to “true hue” banana peppers and olives without artificial colors, and created our own salad dressings, leaving the artificial preservatives behind.” It is also in many states, so you could probably find one on a road trip!
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic or natural or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Build your own pizza with gluten-free dough, red sauce, vegan cheese, fresh basil, mushrooms, roasted garlic, and spinach with fresh berry side salad.
- Price: $8-25
Bolay Kitchen
- Where it is: Florida (Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Gainesville, Miami, Orlando, and more)
- Why it’s a good option: Bolay is conscious of food allergies and has an entire document that tells you which common allergens are in which ingredients. Additionally, the website states “We believe great food does great things for the mind, body and spirit. The movement to a more sustainable, better-for-you lifestyle is here!” The website also indicates that ingredients are fresh and nutrient-dense. The online ordering feature allows you to build your own vegetarian “bol.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, locally-sourced, made without additives, or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Build your own vegetarion bol with Asian sweet potato noodles, ginger broccoli, cilantro noodles, miso glazed tofu, with cilantro pesto sauce on the side
- Price: $10-15
by CHLOE.
- Where it is: New York City, Boston, and Providence
- Why it’s a good option: The website states that “by CHLOE. is 100% vegan + plant-based. Our menu is free of meat, dairy and egg products and contains no saturated animal fats, cholesterol, artificial flavors, and/or preservatives.” It is great that their products are vegan and do not contain artificial flavors or preservatives. They also have some gluten-free desserts and all salads can be made gluten-free.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate that the food is organic or exactly where the food is sourced.
- Recommendation: Peanut Crunch salad made gluten-free with a side of red lentil butternut squash soup and chocolate chip cookie.
- Price: $4-12
Cava
- Where it is: California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: You can get a ton of delicious vegetables and whole grains in one meal. Additionally, Cava makes it easy for people who are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free to find delicious food. Their website states that their sauces “never contain artificial additives or preservatives, so they maintain their fresh, natural taste. All are vegetarian, low in calories, fat, and sodium. Most are vegan and gluten free.” The website also has a nutrition calculator, which is great for anyone trying to eat low sodium or saturated fat.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate that the food is organic or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Greens and Grains bowl with Half SuperGreens, Half Brown Rice, Hummus, Red Pepper Hummus, Roasted Eggplant Dip, Falafel, Cabbage Slaw, Tomato & Cucumber, and Lemon Herb Tahini.
- Price: $5-15
Chipotle
- Where it is: In all states except for Hawaii – I think
- Why it’s a good option: Chipotle has a section on the menu, lifestyle bowls, that make it extremely easy to get a meal that fits the diet that you are currently eating, such as Whole 30, Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto, and Paleo. The website also states that they have no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, freezers, can openers, or short cuts. The website indicates that they only use 53 ingredients and choose to use responsibly raised meat with no added hormones.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate that the food is organic or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Build Your Burrito Bowl with veggie (comes with guacamole), brown rice, half black beans, half pinto beans, fresh tomato salsa, fajita veggies, and romaine lettuce
- Price: $8-15
City Tap House
- Where it is: DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, and Nashville
- Why it’s a good option: The restaurant has a section called Veg & Spreads and offers a wide range of delicious salads, plates, and entrees. The website states, “We pride ourselves on locally sourced ingredients,” which is why the menu is a little different at each location.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, made without additives, or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: If you’re in DC and eat seafood, you have to get the Panag mussels, they are amazing. Otherwise, I would get the Grains & Greens Salad or the East Side Poke Bowl.
- Price: $10-25
ChopShop
- Where it is: Arizona and Texas
- Why it’s a good option: The website has a dietary filters option that allows customers to choose foods based on if they are gluten-free, dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free, vegetarian, or vegan. The website also lists the nutrition facts of every single dish. The website indicates that they use whole ingredients.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, locally-sourced, or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Green Curry Tofu Bowl with a Daily Detox fresh juice.
- Price: $5-15
Chopt
- Where it is: New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, DC, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “When it comes to supporting our local communities, we strive to form long-term partnerships with local food artisans, farmers, small businesses, and producers with better food and better practices. We currently source 100% cage-free eggs and only Global Animal Partnership (GAP) certified chicken and will continue to do so in the future. And by 2024 or sooner, all of our chicken will be processed using CAS. These steps, along with our commitment to source the freshest produce available, enable us to create the most flavorful salads and bowls around.” Chopt has a Customer Craft option that allows you to choose a base and 4 “choppings.” There are tons of ingredients to choose from.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Harvest Bowl
- Price: $5-15
Clean Juice
- Where it is: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “We are here to provide only the things our bodies were designed to operate on in the first place. USDA-certified organic— NO harmful chemicals, NO hidden additives, NO artificial sweeteners.” Additionally, the website indicates their juices have no GMOS or harmful pesticides!
- Why it’s not the best option: I got nothing!
- Recommendation: The Longevity One smoothie and the Cacao Milk cold-pressed juice
- Price: $5-60
Crisp and Green
- Where it is: Minnesota, Texas, South Dakota, North Dakota, Florida, Arizona, Nebraska, and Iowa
- Why it’s a god option: The website states, “We use sustainable ingredients from local farms whenever possible. If we need an ingredient that local farms can’t produce, we source it from our trusted network of purveyors, who are just as committed to sustainable farming practices as we are.” The menu also makes it easy for people on a wide range of diets to find a salad or bowl that fits their dietary needs. Because the restaurant has smoothie options, it also makes it easier for customers to get their daily intake of fruit.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Chef Curry Grain Bowl with Mother of Dragonfruit Smoothie.
- Price: $7-15
Dig Inn
- Where it is: Boston, Brooklyn, Cambridge, New York, Philadelphia, and Rye Brook
- Why it’s a good option: The website shows consumers exactly where their food comes from. The website states, “Every decision we make at Dig starts with a deep respect for our ingredients and where they come from. Our recipe development process always involves a conversation between chef and grower about what we really want to cook and harvest. We work one-on-one with 102 farmers and partners to bring those recipes to life, planning crops specifically for our menus. Mindful sourcing is our bread and butter. We buy from minority-run and small-scale farms, using our purchasing power to support sustainable growing practices and invest in the future of farming. Our own farm in Upstate New York connects chefs in our kitchens to produce where it’s grown.” The website also lists the nutrition facts and ingredients on the website.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Farmer’s Favority Marketbowl with brown rice, roasted mushrooms & fingerlings, cashew kale Caesar, and charred scallion green beans with garlic aioli on the side.
- Price: $10-15
Elevation Burger
- Where it is: DC, Maine, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “A family on a budget was looking for healthy, organic options for their fast food cravings. When they couldn’t find it, they bet on themselves to make a better burger, and made a business of it. To much success, we might add. We continue to bet on better burgers being better for business, and we’ll bet you’ve never had one quite as good. Our fast food practices are anything but standard, and we’ve elevated the bar substantially. Like sourcing environmentally sustainable beef, completely grass-fed, in each and every patty. Or using heart-healthy olive oil to fry our fries. Everything is made to order, fresh and accessible at a fair price.” The website also shows that they use organic, free range chicken organic vegan and veggie patties, and the meat does not contain antibiotics.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if all ingredients are organic or made without additives. It looks like most products are organic, though!
- Recommendation: Build Your Own Burger with Single Vegan Burger, gluten-free bun, one slice dairy-free cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, grilled onions, and ketchup with classic olive oil fries
- Price: $5-15
Flower Child
- Where it is: Arizona, California, Colorado, DC, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “At Flower Child, we make every last bite from scratch, using fresh ingredients from close to home and serving healthy food that takes you to a happy place. That’s our promise to you, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or just hungry. And just because we can do sugar-free, dairy-free and gluten-free doesn’t mean we do flavor-free… because where’s the happy in that?” The menu is labeled with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free stamps, which makes it easier for customers to choose foods for their diet. The nutrition information for each dish can also be found on the website.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, made without additive, or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: The avocado hummus with the Glow Bowl
- Price: $6-25
Freshii
- Where it is: Across the U.S., mostly east coast and central region
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “Our menu is constantly evolving. In fact, every 90 days we roll out a new item that incorporates the latest health and food trends. Our Lead Nutritionist is forever testing and tasting ways to make these trends as nutrient-dense, accessible and crave-worthy as possible. We’re hard-pressed to think of another fast-casual spot that’s led by nutrition in the same way Freshii is, on our scale. Turmeric juices, Energii Bites and grain bowls only skim the surface.” The website also lists the nutrition facts with each individual dish.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, made without additives. or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Umamii salad or Bamboo bowl
- Price: $10-15
Hip City Veg
- Where it is: Pennsylvania and DC
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “By choosing vegan ingredients and compostable materials, we’re creating a new normal that’s better for ourselves and the world we live in” and “We use 100% organic non-GMO soy ingredients. All of our salads are made with organic leafy greens, and we source local whenever possible. Our food shows up fresh every morning, and at the end of the day, even our kitchen scraps are composted.”
- Why it’s not the best option: A lot of menu items are not gluten-free, but some can be made gluten-free!
- Recommendation: Bistro Bella sandwich made gluten-free with sweet potato fries and vanilla milkshake
- Price: $10-20
Honeygrow
- Where it is: Massachusetts, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “You won’t find a freezer in our stores, and if we can buy it locally, we do it” and “honeygrow brings people together over the highest quality, wholesome, simple foods.” The restaurant has a lot of vegan sauces and so many options to create your own stir-frys or salads. They also offer a few organic vegetables, like organic baby spinach.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate that all food is organic, made without additives, or if animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Create your own Stir-fry Veggies with rice noodles, organic baby spinach, edamame, carrots, pineapple, fresh lime, and red coconut curry sauce.
- Price: $6-20
Jamba Juice
- Where it is: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin
- Why it’s a good option: The website indicates that it uses real, balanced ingredients and makes fresh-squeezed juices. Additionally, the website states that “At our core, we’re always evolving our menu to include more options with plant-based and no sugar added options noted in our menu.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate food is organic, locally-sourced, or made without additives.
- Recommendation: Vanilla Blue Sky Smoothie
- Price: $5-15
Jason’s Deli
- Where it is: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin
- Why it’s a good option: The website offers vegetarian and gluten-sensitive menus to accommodate dietary choices. The website states that they removed partially hydrogenated oils, artificial MSG and high-fructose corn syrup from food, dyes and artificial colors, and artificial flavors. The website also informs customers that fresh produce is delivered six days per week and more than a dozen USDA-certified organic ingredients and products are served.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are all organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Nutty Mixed-Up Salad with gluten-free dressing and organic vegetable soup
- Price: $7-15
Just Salad
- Where it is: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida, and North Carolina
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “We support health in all its forms, starting with healthy ingredients: our produce arrives fresh daily, and it’s only served raw, roasted, baked, or steamed” and “No fake sh*t. No filter. We’re dedicated to serving real food for real people. The rest is just noise.” It is awesome that they do not fry their foods and that they want to serve real, fresh produce. The website also has menu options for people following the climatarian, keto, vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diets.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are all organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Plant Power Salad with Almond Berry Blast Smoothie
- Price: $7-15
Lyfe Kitchen
- Where it is: Chicago
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “Obsessed with creating healthful, flavorful local fare since 2013. We’re here to serve you crave-able, functional food that tastes amazing & makes your body feel great. We N.E.V.E.R. use artificial ingredients because…ew. Sweet potato fries, organic local produce, plant proteins, farm-fresh meats, detoxifying tonics & ooey gooey treats all have a place in our deliciously fulfilling REAL LYFE!”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are all organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Quinoa crunch bowl with superfood guac & baked chips and a magic cookie.
- Price: $5-20
Mellow Mushroom
- Where it is: Many locations on the east coast and central region of the U.S.
- Why it’s a good option: The website describes the ingredients for their pizzas in detail. The website states that the dough is made with the “finest variety of high protein, unbromated unbleached wheat flour, Appalachian spring water and no refined white sugar.” Mellow Mushroom’s “chicken and steak are 100% all-natural. No additives. No preservatives. No hormones. No steroids. No worries.” The chain also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, and their salad dresses are “100% all natural.” The dressings are not made with “hydrogenated oil, artificial ingredients, or flavor enhancers,” which is a win!
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if it uses organic ingredients or where the ingredients are sourced.
- Recommendation: Vegan Veg Out on gluten-free crust with Vegan Enlightened Spinach Salad.
- Price: $5-30
Modern Market
- Where it is: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Texas
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “So Fresh & So Clean Made from scratch, all the time. We say YES to real, whole, sustainable ingredients you can recognize and pronounce. Organic and local when possible. We say NO to artificial flavors and colors, hydrogenated anything, trans fat, hormones, antibiotics or funky additives. Farmers, ranchers and chefs are our crew, not food scientists.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website states organic and local when possible, meaning some ingredients might not be organic or locally-sourced; however, it is great that they do their best to provide customers with organic and local ingredients!
- Recommendation: Buddha Bowl with Curry Sweet Potato Soup and Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie.
- Price: $5-15
Noodles and Co.
- Where it is: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “That’s why you’ll find produce and proteins that you can feel good about, like 14 different fresh vegetables prepped daily, zucchinis spiralized by hand, organic tofu, cage-free eggs, and antibiotic-free, hormone-free pork and bacon. And you can look far and wide, but you’ll never find artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives anywhere in our kitchen.” The website also states that they cook with organic milk and tea. Additionally, the menu indicates vegetarian and gluten sensitive options.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate that ingredients besides milk, tofu, and tea are organic. Additionally, the company does not state whether all meat used is grass-fed or where ingredients are sourced.
- Recommendation: Pad Thai without egg or Zucchini shrimp scampi without parmesan
- Price: $5-15
Panera Bread
- Where it is: Across the U.S.
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “Panera’s pantry is the largest, most extensive of its kind, housing some 400 clean, high-quality ingredients that are the foundation of great tasting, freshly prepared meals that are also good for you. The majority of pantry items fall into three categories: whole grains; nutrient-dense plants; and lean, responsibly raised and grown proteins.” Additionally, the company explained that “We embarked on a journey in 2014 to clean up our entire U.S. food menu. We define clean as not containing any artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources. In fact, there are 96 separate ingredients and additive classes we avoid, all of which are spelled out on Panera’s No No List.” Last, in their 2017-2019 Responsibility Report, Panera stated that they “are committed to high standards of animal care from cage-free eggs to grass-fed and -finished beef.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if all ingredients are organic. It is also difficult to find vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- Recommendation: Fuji Apple Salad without chicken and gorgonzola – add avocado with chips as a side
- Price: $10-15
Pressed Juicery
- Where it is: Massachusetts, New York, Texas, California, Nevada, Washington, and Arizona
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, ”We start with whole fruits and vegetables and use a cold-press process to extract every last drop of goodness – no heat keeps your nutrients intact.” Additionally, the company states “Our farm-to-bottle promise provides millions of customers with healthy juice sourced from California’s Central Valley.” Last, they have a plant-based soft serve that is “made with 100% real fruit, vegetables and nuts – no artificial colors, binders or preservatives.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if the ingredients are organic.
- Recommendation: Vanilla Freeze with your favorite vegan toppings!
- Price: $3-60
Seasons 52
- Where it is: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: The website indicates that their produce is 100% fresh, never frozen, the company uses an oak-fire grill and no fryers, and their food is sourced with care. Seasons 52 also “features the most popular fruits and vegetables of the season, micro-seasonal foods that might only be available for a few weeks, and limited Place to Plate offerings from specific parts of the country.” It is great that the menu changes with the seasons! To add, most of their entrees are under 600 calories.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if the ingredients are organic or if the meat is grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught. It also does not have many vegan options.
- Recommendation: Grilled artichokes with preserved lemon hummus and Maui Tuna Crunch Salad
- Price: $8-40
Sweetgreen
- Where it is: California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, Texas, Boston and Washington, D.C.
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “We get whole vegetables, whole fruits and whole grains delivered to our stores every morning. Our team dices, slices, spices and roasts in-house every day because food tastes better when it’s made fresh.” The company also uses locally sourced products, stating “We believe in a transparent supply chain, and we go to great lengths to work with farmers (currently ~500) who are doing the right thing. In our stores, you can see the sources listed on the wall, and you can watch us prep all the food in our open kitchens.” In terms of meat, Sweetgreen uses “Chicken: GAP Step 2 and Certified Humane, Pork: GAP Step 1, Eggs: Cage free and certified organic, and Steelhead: Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Green Rated.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not state that all food is organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Harvest Bowl without chicken and goat cheese – add warm portobello mix and avocado
- Price: $10-15
The Little Beet
- Where it is: New York and coming to DC
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “Using all-natural ingredients, the Little Beet is committed to cooking up plant-inspired, veggie-forward food that gives people the nutrients they need to live well.” Additionally, the company writes “From the very beginning, we’ve carefully sourced our ingredients from farmers and purveyors we trust. We take pride in ethical, clean sourcing and serving nutrient-rich food for every appetite. We believe ingredients should be high quality, all dietary choices should be accommodated and food should make people feel their best.”
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are all organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Make your own with quinoa, sweet potatoes, charred zucchini, baked beet falafel, sweet chili garlic, and turmeric almonds.
- Price: $5-15
True Food Kitchen
- Where it is: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “We believe in food that works for you, to nourish you as healthfully as possible…without sacrificing flavor. Based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, the brainchild of our founder Dr. Andrew Weil, renowned doctor of integrative medicine, every single ingredient on our menu is carefully selected and hand-crafted into signature dishes that make eating well effortless, energizing and most importantly, full of flavor.” Additionally, the company says, “We go to great lengths to source with integrity, partnering only with growers that are committed to the same values that we are. We’re proud to use organic Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes in our sauce.” Additionally, there are tons of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options!
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are all organic or all if all animal products are grass-fed, cage-free, or wild caught.
- Recommendation: Creamy tomato soup and Korean Noodle Bowl with Cookies & Ice Cream for dessert
- Price: $8-25
Veggie Grill
- Where it is: California, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, and Washington
- Why it’s a good option: The website states, “Scientific evidence shows that eating a 100% plant-based diet is better for the world. So we’ve made it our mission to put more and more people on the plant-based path. Whether you’re beginning or advancing your plant-based journey, we make it easy to embrace by combining clean, plant-based foods with indulgent, satisfying flavors.” This is an amazing place for people to go to get a great plant-based meal on-the-go.
- Why it’s not the best option: The website does not indicate if ingredients are organic or if dishes are made without additives.
- Recommendation: House Veggie Burger on a gluten-free bun with sweet potato fries
- Price: $5-15
