Protein Sources Beyond Meat: A Local Guide

Bendigo residents bought 22 percent more dried lentils and chickpeas in the first half of 2026 than in the same period last year, according to sales data from stores along High Street.

Health authorities recommend adults aim for 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, yet many people in regional Victoria still rely heavily on meat despite price spikes at supermarkets. Rising interest in plant options coincides with more residents using the Bendigo Creek recreational trail for morning runs and the Rosalind Park parkrun events held every Saturday at 8am.

Where to shop in central Bendigo

Central Victoria Produce on High Street stocks bulk bins of red lentils at $3.20 a kilogram and free-range eggs from nearby farms for $6.50 a dozen. A short walk away on View Street, the Bendigo Health campus nutrition service runs monthly workshops that include tasting sessions of Greek yoghurt and canned tuna paired with local vegetables. These outlets sit within easy reach of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail entrance near the city centre, allowing cyclists to combine a ride with a quick stop for supplies.

National Health and Medical Research Council figures show that combining legumes with dairy can deliver complete amino acid profiles at roughly half the cost of an equivalent serving of beef mince priced at $12 per kilogram. Workshop attendance at the Bendigo Health campus reached 180 participants across four sessions in the past twelve months.

Putting it into practice

Trail users can add a boiled egg and a handful of almonds to a lunch box before heading out along the creek path. Those preferring a sit-down option find tinned sardines and cottage cheese at the same High Street grocer for under $4 per serving. Anyone with specific dietary concerns should speak with a doctor or dietitian at Bendigo Health before making major changes.