Humana Program at Taste of Chicago to Feature Veg Options for First Time Ever
Courtesy of Humana
This year’s Taste of Chicago food festival will feature more than 60 food vendors, all serving up the Windy City’s finest cuisine to thousands of hungry guests. And thanks to health provider Humana, there’ll be plenty of meatless options on site.
For the first time in its eight-year history at the festival, the Humana Healthier Choices program will offer vegetarian options—42 of them (out of 55), to be exact, and at least two will be vegan. In total, 24 different Chicago restaurants are serving items as part of Humana’s endeavor.
Vegan items on the menu include a veggie burger by Beat Kitchen and a gluten-free spicy black bean and corn tamale by Dia De Los Tamales (technically, the latter item doesn’t meet the Healthier Choices criteria, but it is gluten-free!).
Vegetarian items are a longer list, including everything from avocado toast to corn on the cob to watermelon hibiscus gazpacho (note: some of the vegetarian items may also be vegan, Humana just wasn’t able to confirm exact ingredients with the restaurants).
“By expanding Humana Healthier Choices to include vegetarian options and promoting gluten-free alternatives, we’re looking to help a greater population of Taste-goers pursue a healthy eating experience that inspires lifelong well-being,” said Humana’s Regional President of Senior Products in the Great Lakes Charles Dow, in a press release.
Items that are part of the Humane Healthier Choices program will be identified on site with a green apple on the menu boards of the participating restaurants. Plus, the list will be handed out at the Humana tent (located on Columbus Drive between Jackson Boulevard and Buckingham Fountain).
Having meat and dairy-free options on site at a major food festival is no small thing. Like most traditional food festivals, Taste of Chicago is pretty meat-strong (bratwurst on a stick anyone?).
Taste of Chicago runs from July 8-12 in Chicago’s Grant Park. Admission is free (but food costs $). Check out the website for details.
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