wellness
Columbus Markets Expand Plant-Based Protein Options Beyond Meat
Columbus eaters are filling plates with eggs, beans and nuts as local markets expand options along High Street and in surrounding neighborhoods.
How we reported this
Shoppers in Columbus bought 22 percent more eggs and legumes at area stores in the first half of 2026 than in the same period last year.
Wellness programs tied to the city's active fitness scene have pushed residents to track protein intake more closely, especially after the Columbus Public Health department updated its nutrition guidelines in March to highlight non-meat sources for daily needs.
North Market on Spruce Street stocks dried lentils at $1.89 per pound and bulk almonds at $6.49, while the Wednesday farmers market in Clintonville sells fresh eggs from local farms for $4.50 a dozen and tubs of Greek yogurt priced at $3.99. These spots sit within walking distance of the Short North and attract regulars from German Village who combine market trips with nearby studio classes.
A May survey by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective found that a 16-ounce can of chickpeas delivers 15 grams of protein for 89 cents, a figure that undercuts the $7.99 average price for a pound of boneless chicken breasts at the same outlets.
Practical swaps along High Street corridors
Residents can start the week with a lentil salad from prepared-food counters at North Market, then add a hard-boiled egg for another six grams of protein. On Thursdays the Clintonville market offers samples of roasted chickpeas seasoned with local spices, giving shoppers a chance to test flavors before buying in bulk. Those near Easton Town Center can stop at the Whole Foods on Morse Road, where a 12-ounce block of firm tofu costs $2.49 and pairs easily with rice bowls.
Local trainers at the YMCA on Long Street recommend combining two tablespoons of peanut butter with a piece of fruit for a 10-gram snack that fits between morning meetings. Prices at these locations have held steady since January, making the options predictable for weekly meal planning.
Next week, check the posted hours at North Market and the Clintonville market, then build one new non-meat dish using items already on hand. Columbus Public Health posts updated serving charts on its site each month to help match portions to individual activity levels.