For decades, ballpark food was synonymous with hot dogs and beer, but the 2025 season is signaling a new era—one where culinary creativity and dietary inclusivity are finally stepping up to bat. With Opening Day celebrations in full swing, two recent announcements from Citi Field and T-Mobile Park demonstrate just how far stadium food has come, especially for plant-based eaters. 

Citi Field Gets Culinary with Jackfruit 

This year, Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, has added an innovative plant-based sandwich to its lineup: the “Pulled” BBQ Jackfruit sandwich. Served on a vegan pretzel bun and topped with coleslaw, the sandwich is being offered at the stadium’s Vegan City stand. 

According to Aramark, the foodservice partner for Citi Field, this new offering was developed as a “vegan-friendly option featuring barbecue braised jackfruit.” Notably, this dish embraces a whole-food meat alternative, showcasing the culinary potential of fruits and vegetables in their natural forms rather than relying on processed meat analogues. It’s a move that aligns with broader trends toward clean-label, minimally processed plant-based foods, even in fast-paced, high-volume environments like sports venues. 

The jackfruit sandwich isn’t just plant-based—it’s packed with flavor, texture, and creativity, showing that stadium food can be both indulgent and inclusive. 

Rebellyous Takes the Field at T-Mobile Park 

Meanwhile, across the country in Seattle, Rebellyous Foods has announced that its plant-based chicken burger is now available at both Great State Burger locations inside T-Mobile Park. The Rebellyous Kickin’ Patty is topped with melty dairy-free cheese, loaded with pickles, and finished with Great State’s tangy house-made State Sauce—crafted to satisfy fans craving a classic ballpark flavor with a modern twist. 

To celebrate the burger’s debut, Rebellyous and Great State offered a limited-time promotion on Opening Day, giving away free Rebellyous burgers with the purchase of fries. The partnership showcases how recognizable, comfort-food-style products like plant-based chicken patties can serve as an easy and familiar gateway for fans exploring meat-free options. 

“We’re so excited to be on this journey together,” said Rebellyous Foods in their announcement, celebrating the collaboration as a major milestone for plant-based representation in mainstream foodservice. 

The Future of Food in the Stands 

What’s especially notable about these two launches is the variety of approaches they represent. One leans into whole-food, scratch-cooked authenticity with braised jackfruit and artisanal buns. The other capitalizes on crave-worthy familiarity with a burger-style plant-based patty that mirrors the stadium classics fans already love. 

Together, these offerings illustrate how plant-based food is evolving from niche to necessary in sports venues across the country. Whether driven by health, ethics, sustainability, or simple curiosity, fans are increasingly seeking satisfying alternatives—and now, stadiums are rising to the occasion. 

As more stadiums diversify their menus, it’s becoming clear that the era of “just peanuts and Cracker Jack” is behind us. The new ballpark experience is flavorful, inclusive, and just as exciting as the game on the field.