Written by: Chandler Grace

There are so many health benefits to eating vegan, whether it’s one meal or your entire diet. Studies show that it can lower blood pressure, increase energy levels, improve gut health, lower cholesterol levels, increase intake of antioxidants, and improve skin. It can help inflammation and, contrary to popular belief, is actually a great way to get protein. It is, after all, where animals get their protein from. Plants are the origin of protein. Benefits of a vegan diet don’t just stop at your health though, it’s much better for the environment and literally saves lives.

I’m not here to tell you that you have to go vegan – the point of this is just to inspire you to keep your eyes (and heart) open and maybe try something new. You never know, you just might find a new favorite meal. I promise you won’t regret it when you’re feeling alive and energized after. I worked Lighting in a Bottle six days in a row, was up at 6 am every morning and didn’t have a single sip of caffeine until I’d found someone that had a matcha lemonade on the very last night. Guess how much vegan food and juices I had consumed throughout the entire week, though? 

As someone who’s been attending festivals and events since 2018, around the same time I ended up going vegan, I think I’ve finally got it down. It’s amazing to see how much it’s evolved over the years and how much more accessible healthier food is now. There are multiple fully vegan food vendors rather than having just one option or having to adjust half the ingredients. Most booths do have vegan options as well, though, and thankfully I have scoped a lot out. 

Vendors you absolutely have to check out:

The Beet Box – these guys have the best and most filling avocado toast topped with a kale salad and drizzled with aioli which is perfect for any time of day. For lunch/dinner they offer beet burgers, tempeh B.L.T., and philly beet steaks. Spiral fries and polenta fries became a new fave snack. If you haven’t tried polenta fries you absolutely have to, these guys prepare them with the tastiest sauce I’ve ever had, that I hadn’t even heard of prior, or been able to find since then. Mac and cheese made from scratch with no processed cheese, and an assortment of carrot dogs which were such a big hit. Everything is plant based and made from ingredients sourced from local farms. It just so happens to be run by the sweetest family too. I can’t recommend checking them out and supporting their business enough. They’ll make sure to get you right.

Shroom Shack – this vegan and gluten free mushroom based cuisine had so many incredible options. I tried both of their breakfast options, savory and sweet. They had carrot cake overnight oats and a “wake and bake” bowl. The bowl was filled with potatoes, a chickpea scramble, and topped with a delicious mushroom gravy. Both options were incredible. Their crabless cakes had unfortunately sold out but sounded like such a bomb and boujee choice especially at a festival.

Drip Bar – offers small-batch craft beverages. Specializing in non-alcoholic mixology, Drip brings vitality, hydration, and Caribbean style infusions to beverages. I truly discovered some of my favorite drinks here that I’m still craving a whole year later. Healthy and energizing drinks? Yes please! Personal recommendations would be their Blue Dream, Golden Eagle, Green Goddess, and the Horchata Latta which changed my life and so many others. The most excellent and fast-paced service with innovative drinks. Don’t miss out on this, it really is a whole experience. 

“At the forefront of health innovation, our vision is to redefine wellness with cutting-edge beverages that challenge conventional approaches, empowering every individual to achieve a state of optimal health and vitality through our drinks.” – Alan Cosme of the Drip Bar