How to Be Vegan in Wisconsin, the Dairy State

If you've committed to the vegan lifestyle where you eliminate dairy and animal products from your diet, living in Wisconsin can prove to be a challenge. Wisconsin is the nation's Dairy State, a place where cheese, milk and beef products abound; if you're trying to eat a vegetable and plants-based diet, you'll need a strategy to help you stick with your nutritional goals. Here's how to be vegan in Wisconsin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Farmer's market calendar/schedule
• A higher-than-average grocery budget
• An open mind

1. Visit the local farmer's market. This takes place every week in almost every city in Wisconsin and is the perfect opportunity to pick up seasonal vegetables, organic fruit and other vegan-friendly menu items. Take the time to browse and explore a few in the area to find fresh produce and products each season.
2. Shop at a natural foods store. There are a number of organic and natural foods stores around the State, in addition to larger grocery stores such as Whole Foods. You can find many dairy-free products at these locations.
3. Stock up on dry goods. From lentils to rice, stock up on dry, organic foods to make the majority of your meals. Many bakery breads and sides contain dairy and meat ingredients that can be difficult to avoid completely.
4. Eat most of your meals at home. The best way to enjoy vegan dishes and food is to simply cook it yourself; some restaurants do cater to vegans, but you won't find many beyond the major cities of Madison and Milwaukee.
5. Call restaurants ahead of time to find out about vegan options. An easy way to learn about your menu options when eating out is to call ahead and ask what's available. Don't be afraid to ask if a dish can be prepared without meat or dairy products; many restaurants are willing to modify their dishes for a paying customer!
6. Check the nutritional information on fast-food and quick-service restaurants. Most of these venues use dairy products or derivatives in vegetarian soups and sandwiches. Request nutritional information or look online if you're not sure if an item is vegan-friendly.
7. Shop at the food co-op. Many farmers' co-ops sell whole grains and dry goods by the pound; this can help you cut costs on food you buy in large quantities and help you stick with your vegan diet with ease.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare vegan meals ahead of time and freeze them into single-serving containers for days when you're too busy to cook.
• Whole Foods market and Trader Joe's both offer a number of vegan-friendly meals, snacks, and even frozen entrées if you're short on time.
• Eating vegan can be more expensive in the long-run; you may need to cut down on other expenses in order to keep up with your diet!
• Prepare fresh fruits and vegetables the same day or next day to avoid spoilage; raw and fresh food can spoil quickly and may require extra trips to the food market