wellness
Logan Square Residents Discover Plant-Based Proteins Beyond Meat
Logan Square residents are turning to beans, tofu and seeds for daily protein needs as neighborhood markets expand their plant-based selections.
How we reported this
Shoppers at the Logan Square Farmers Market on Kedzie Avenue bought 18 percent more dried beans and lentils in the first half of 2026 than in the same period last year.
Local wellness programs have highlighted protein variety because many residents train for summer runs along the 606 trail and need steady energy without relying solely on animal products. Rising interest follows a 2025 Chicago Department of Public Health report that showed 34 percent of adults in the 60647 zip code now eat meatless meals at least four times a week.
Where to find plant proteins nearby
The Dill Pickle Food Co-op on Diversey Avenue stocks 12 varieties of bulk legumes priced from $1.89 to $3.29 a pound, including black lentils and split peas sourced from Midwest farms. Two blocks east on Milwaukee Avenue, the weekly Wednesday pop-up from the Logan Square Community Kitchen offers pre-portioned tofu and tempeh packs for $4.50 each, prepared by volunteers who also run free cooking demos every other Thursday at the nearby Elston Avenue branch library.
Prices at these outlets stayed steady through June despite national egg and chicken increases that pushed meat protein costs above $8 a pound at several Logan Square grocers.
Easy daily swaps that fit local routines
Adding a half-cup of chickpeas to a salad at the farmers market stand costs about $1.25 and supplies 7 grams of protein. Swapping one meat dinner a week for a lentil stew made with items from the co-op cuts roughly 200 calories while maintaining the same protein level, according to a simple calculation used in the community kitchen classes. Residents can start this week by picking up a bag of red lentils and a block of local tofu, then checking the kitchen schedule posted outside the co-op for the next free demo.