Going Gluten Free and Vegan at the Downtown Farmers' Market

With Opening Day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market around the corner, excitement is building to experience all the food, fun and fresh new finds that only The Market can offer. This season is no exception. We are excited to showcase several new and familiar vendors who offer products for those living with food allergies, dietary needs or plant-based preferences.

Gluten free and delicious

JoLovies from Indianola is new to The Market this season and makes fresh gluten free and allergy friendly baked goods from scratch that are dairy-free, egg-free and oat-free! We think Market-goers will be most enthusiastic about JoLovies’ Hawaiian rolls, breads, flaky piecrusts, cakes, cookies and dough to enjoy while strolling Downtown Des Moines (DSM) as well as at home.

And cupcakes so good, you may not know they’re gluten-free according to the many Facebook reviews!

Vegan-tastic

Once you visit Des Fresh Foods at The Market, you’ll quickly discover that vegans eat more than just salad! And their food line-up is far from just veggies. 

On the menu are plantains, lotus cookies, summer rolls, nutty pancakes, chia pudding and coconut crêpe — something for anyone who wants more plant-based options but are finding themselves in a food rut. To all vegans out there: Des Fresh Foods might just silence all your omnivore friends who say, “I could never eat vegan!”

Here’s an idea of what to do with some of your Market bounty come Opening Day from fellow Market-goer, Kristin, founder of iowagirleats.com. This fresh, flavorful and fast gluten free side, Italian Guacamole Salad, is a perfect pairing for grilling or a healthy meal all on its own.

“With summer just around the corner, we decided to give our lemon-infused guacamole a chunky salad twist and Italian Guacamole Salad, aka The Most Refreshing Salad EVER, is the result,” Kristin says.

Chopped Roma tomatoes and avocado are combined with thinly sliced red onion, a teensy bit of fresh garlic and plenty of fresh basil, which really drives home that Italian flavor, then drizzled with fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. So simple and so summery. Plus, it takes just five minutes to toss together. Check out the full recipe.

Here’s to seeing you at the Downtown Farmer’s Market and enjoying all the flavors, fun and food!

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.