Going to a baseball game doesn't have to mean throwing your healthy eating habits out the window. While ballpark food is often associated with hot dogs and heavy snacks, Citizens Bank Park offers a variety of options for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. This guide will help you navigate the concessions and find some healthy-ish choices to enjoy while cheering on the Phillies.
Bringing Your Own Healthy Snacks
The best way to ensure you eat well at the game is to bring your own snacks. Fresh fruits and veggies and nuts are always going to be a better choice than nachos. And while you can’t bring in glass bottles or cans, you can bring in sealed plastic bottles (hey there, San Pellegrino).
Healthy-ish Options Inside Citizens Bank Park
If you're hankering for some ballpark food, but don’t want to totally throw your dietary goals out the window, here’s where to start.
Black Bean Burger at South Philadelphia 9th Street Market
This food stand has multiple locations at the ballpark, and it’s a good place to hit up for vegetarian options. This black bean burger is a better option than a charred beef patty, and it’s a very reasonable 310 calories.
Italian Turkey Sausage at the Hot Dog Stand
Think you can’t find anything good to eat at a hot dog stand? Think again. At this spot you’ll find a BYO option. Start with an Italian Turkey Sausage (170 calories, and likely less fat than a regular hot dog), then skip the bun and instead pile it up with veggie-centric toppings, like grilled onions, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Yum!
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Chicken Cheesesteak at Cobblestone Grill
Granted, anything called a “cheesesteak” isn’t going to be great for you, even without the red meat. But you can easily make this chicken version (which ranges from 440 to 600 calories) a little healthier by skipping the processed cheese entirely (keep any grilled veggies though!).
Gluten-Free Foods at Zoom Foods
As we all know, gluten-free foods aren’t necessarily healthier. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac’s and need some dietary-restriction-friendly menu items, the dedicated gluten-free stand in section 126 has a ton. Ranging from gluten-free pizza to gluten-free chicken tenders to gluten-free hot dogs, there are plenty of options.
Hummus and Pretzels at South Philadelphia 9th Street Market
At another 9th Street Market stand (the one by Federal Donuts), you’ll find some healthy snacks that are way better than French fries. You can order the hummus and pretzels (260 calories), or keep things super simple with carrots and celery (230 calories).
Smoked Turkey at Bull’s BBQ
Okay, so, yes smoked meats should set off some carcinogen alarm bells in your head. But if you’ve just gotta have that BBQ, you’re better off with a lower-fat, white-meat option, like turkey, than a red meat, like pulled pork. Want to be even healthier? Ask for sauce on the side.
Vegetarian Cheesesteak at Campo’s
Avoiding red meat? Avoiding all meat? You can still get some cheesesteak flavors with this soy-based version. It still packs between 600 and 630 calories, though, so keep in mind that this item is more the “ish” side of “healthy-ish.”
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Soft Garden Taco at Wahoo's
Packed with vegetables, including mushrooms, zucchini, squash, and peppers, and finished off with a spicy slaw, this taco is a fresh and flavorful choice.
Garden Wrap from Philly Fresh
This wrap is packed with veggies and plant-based protein, like edamame and nuts, offering a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Amish Turkey Burger at Harry the K's
For meat-lovers seeking a healthier burger option, Harry the K's offers an Amish turkey burger, providing a juicy and flavorful alternative to beef.
Superfood Salad at Harry the K's
Who would've thought you could get a kale salad at the ballpark? This Superfood salad is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a refreshing and healthy meal option.
Additional Tips for Healthy Eating at the Ballpark
- Don't go hungry: Eat a healthy meal or snack before heading to the game to avoid making impulsive, unhealthy food choices.
- Stay away from fried foods: Opt for grilled, baked, or steamed options instead.
- Think about lean protein and vegetables: Choose menu items that feature these ingredients.
- Try not to drink your calories: Stick with water or unsweetened beverages. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Peanuts: Peanuts have a great source of protein, healthy fats and fiber and because they're in a shell they take longer to eat so won't eat as quickly or as much.
Aramark and the American Heart Association Partnership
The availability of healthy options at Citizens Bank Park is part of a partnership between Aramark and the American Heart Association. Aramark's Healthy for Life 20 by 20 campaign aims to improve the health of Americans by expanding access to healthy food choices. They also held nutrition classes as a pilot program in three community centers."Knowledge of what healthy eating comprises of, how to cook healthy, how to shop healthy,"
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
Healthy Finds in Other MLB Ballparks
It's not just Citizens Bank Park that's stepping up its healthy food game. Many other MLB ballparks are offering a wider variety of nutritious and dietary-conscious options. Here are a few examples:
- Arizona Diamondbacks (Chase Field): Vegan Camelback Burger with brown sugar-truffle ketchup, jalapeño relish, avocado, lettuce, herb mustard, cucumber and onion flakes.
- Baltimore Orioles (Camden Yards): Camden Yards is one of the few ballparks in the league that allows guests to bring their own food and drinks.
- Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park): Home Grown Salads are grown locally on the Fenway rooftop garden.
- Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field): Impossible Burger served with chipotle lime aioli, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun.
- Cincinnati Reds (Great American Ballpark): A small bowl of Skyline chili without the cheese or creamy toppings.
- Cleveland Indians (Progressive Field): Cleveland Kraut Haus offers fermented sauerkraut to sandwiches and meals.
- Colorado Rockies (Coors Field): Vegan, plant-based Beyond Meat products including burgers and bratwursts. There’s also a burrito bowl kiosk serving burrito bowls filled with wholesome beans, rice, and veggies. Shishito peppers roasted with Thai chile vinaigrette.
- Milwaukee Brewers (Miller Park): Gluten-free and vegetarian items. The Elite en Vaso is grilled corn tossed in mayo, chili powder, cilantro, lime juice and garnished with cotija cheese.
- Minnesota Twins (Target Field): Marty’s V Burger is a dedicated vegan stand.
- New York Yankees (Yankee Stadium): Bareburger station focused on using local, organic and sustainable ingredients.
- Texas Rangers (Globe Life Park): Melissa’s Field of Greens (section 136) and Ben’s Chili Bowl - no cheese or sour cream (sections 110 and 141.) Bao Bao steamed buns - the roasted mushroom in spicy Korean Ssamjung sauce (section 116) or Taco Caminando bowls (section 233) minus the cheese and chips.