Newport Among Top 5 Most Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns In U.S.: PETA

NEWPORT, RI — Newport is one of the most vegan-friendly beach towns in the United States, according to a list compiled by the animal rights activist group PETA.

PETA — People for the Ethical Treatment Of Animals — in a blog post on July 26, named its top 10 places in the country for people to go to the beach and enjoy seaside dining without animal products. Newport came in at No. 5 on the list.

"From crispy 'chicken' sandwiches to creamy coffee-infused smoothies, the restaurants in the City by the Sea are dishing up some of the best vegan offerings for holidaymakers and residents," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said in a statement. "Newport joins all the other great beach towns on PETA’s list that are hot spots for the animal-friendly fare people are craving this summer."

PETA highlighted several vegan eateries in Newport, including Sprout and Lentil, where diners rave about the V-Rex black bean burger, smothered in barbecued jackfruit, avocado, “cheddar cheese,” and slaw, all on a savory pretzel roll. Other restaurants mentioned included Plant City X with chili cheese fries covered in cashew nacho cheese, Root with its coconut bacon BLT and The Power of the Juice, with cold-pressed grapefruit juice, lemon blueberry chia and apple pecan muffins.

According to PETA, consumer demand for vegan food grew two and a half times faster in 2021 than it did between 2018 and 2020. The activist group expects the industry to reach $22 billion in the U.S. by 2025.

PETA's Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Beach Towns

1. San Diego, California
2. West Palm Beach, Florida
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Santa Cruz, California
5. Newport, Rhode Island
6. Atlantic City, New Jersey
7. Nags Head, North Carolina
8. Long Beach, New York
9. Grand Haven, Michigan
10. Galveston, Texas.