14 Downtown Farmers' Market Booths to Visit During Food Allergy Awareness Month

The Downtown Farmers’ Market returns for its third weekend this month. If you missed the first two Saturdays of the 2022 Market, you won’t want to miss this Saturday, when local vendors set up from 7 a.m. until Noon to offer up fresh produce and more. This weekend’s Market will also welcome The Band Spam, The Travelers, Party of Four, Tom Hofer, Mr. Magic, Andrew Hoyt, and Hawkins Ent. as entertainment as you walk from booth to booth.

May is also Food Allergy Awareness Month, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market Team is happy to support those living with food allergies by highlighting some of the gluten- and dairy-free offerings you can find downtown at The Market. Check out 14 of these vendors below!

Allergy-Sensitive Vendors

Arepa DSM

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21
Location at The Market: 3rd Street and Court Avenue

Arepa DSM serves up vegan and gluten-free options at The Market. Try one with black beans and non-dairy cheese!

Artisan Spice Blends

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Southwest corner of 4th Street and Court Avenue

Artisan Spice Blends sells gluten-free and vegan spices and seasonings.

Fresh Café and Market

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Corner of 3rd Street and Court Avenue

Fresh Café and Market serves 100% vegan, gluten-free, organic, fresh, peanut-free, soy-free and sugar-free options. Try out a shot of wheatgrass, a smoothie or veggie burger.

Ginkgo Goods

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 28
Location at The Market: Northwest corner of Water Street and Court Avenue

Find vegan breakfast bowls and custom teas and smoothies at the Ginkgo Goods booth at The Market.

Gym-N-Eat Crickets LLC

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21
Location at the Market: Northeast corner of 4th Street and Court Avenue

Did you know the average American inadvertently eats one to two pounds of insects per year? Why not try out crickets on purpose with Gym-N-Eat Crickets gluten-free packs? Flavors include Chili Lime, Dill Pickle, Smokey BBQ, Buffalo Ranch, Fiesta, Hot & Spicy and Sea Salt & Pepper.

Jess Desserts

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Northeast corner of 4th Street and Court Avenue

A gluten-free friendly vendor of macrons, Jess Desserts will offer a variety of spring flavors at The Market this month.

Joanna's Premium Tonic Syrups

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 28
Location at The Market: Northeast Corner of 2nd Street and Court Avenue

Try out the made-from-scratch Joanna’s Premium Tonic Syrups, including the Original and Orange Fennel flavors. Joanna’s is both vegan and gluten-free.

Kimmy Cakes

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 28
Location at The Market: Southeast corner of 2nd Street and Court Avenue

Kimmy Cakes has the scrumptious cupcakes Market shoppers will love to snack on as they stroll from booth to booth. Gluten-free Lemon Raspberry is made from scratch.

O’Brien’s Own Gourmet Granola

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Court Avenue in front of the Polk County Admin Building

Find gourmet granola mixes that are wheat-free and dairy-free at the O’Brien’s Own Gourmet Granola booth. Try flavors like “Blueberry Muffin” and “Oh My! Apple Pie.”

Pasta of the Prairie

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Court Avenue and 4th Street

At The Market, vegan friendly vendor Pasta of the Prairie offers flavored pastas, pasta salad mixes, soup mixes and pasta meal kits.

Tami’s Tarts

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: 4th Street (South of Court Avenue)

Visit the Tami’s Tarts booth to taste the gluten-free European pastries made for Market shoppers. The Pineapple Stick, Panna Cotta, Frittata and Lemon or Ricotta Cheesecake are all gluten-free.

The Jelly Lady

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 28
Location at The Market: Northeast corner of 4th Street and Court Avenue

Gluten-free jams and jellies are available from The Jelly Lady while supplies last at The Market.

Watson and Wallie Natural Dog Treats

Remaining Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Southeast corner of 2nd Street and Court Avenue

At Watson and Wallie Natural Dog Treats, you can find healthy dog treats that are vegan, gluten-free, grain-free and/or preservative-free for your pet. The “Pumpkin and Peanut Butter” dog treats are just one of the options sold by Watson and Wallie. If you’ve brought your furry friend along to The Market, you might also want to check out one of these popular places to take your pet in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

Young Guns Sauce Creations, LLC

Dates at The Market This Month: May 21, 28
Location at The Market: Court Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Street

Find vegan and gluten-free rubs and sauces from Young Guns Sauce Creations at The Market. Try “Iowa’s Flavor Enhancer” or check out the “Red Thai Chili Sauce.”

Find out more information on Food Allergy Awareness Month here.

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring nearly 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more here.