Is the Boise Food Scene Turning Its Back on a Popular Health Food Trend?

Aren't Vegans & Vegetarians Basically the Same?

Nope. Though both camps would probably self-identify as lettuce-lovers, there are a few major differences between the two. 

Vegetarians, for example, 86 meat, fish, and poultry from their diets. It's pretty straightforward: vegetarians don't eat anything with a heartbeat. Vegans, on the other hand, take it step further by excluding the following from their diet and lifestyle: animal products and by-products such as eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, fur, silk, wool, cosmetics, and soaps derived from animal products.

Boise Was All About the Meatless Life in 2022

If you were making the switch from carnivore to herbivore last year, Boise was a great place to live and eat. According to WalletHub's 2022 breakdown of our vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants and vendors, the world was looking up for local plant-based dieters. 

Out of 100 cities polled nationwide, this is how Boise scored: 

• 8th for restaurants with vegan entrees;
• 9th for restaurants with vegetarian options;
• and, 18th for affordable produce.

Why and how, then, did Boise plummet from the 11th most vegan and vegetarian-friendly city in 2022 to 34th in 2023? 

Here's How...

WalletHub's updated 100-city study in 2023 shows Boise took a hard hit in the following categories:

• Boise now ranks 37th in produce affordability;
• 25th in accessibility, diversity, and quality of produce;
• And, 68th in regards to lifestyle concerns. 

It makes sense that the cost of groceries have risen in relation to Boise's population boom. That said, what does that mean for our vegan and vegetarian communities a year from now? We suppose we'll have to wait and see. 

In the meantime, the Treasure Valley is still home to several incredible restaurants that cater vegans and vegetarians. Take a look in the gallery below!

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