[Midwestgirl227]

Hi! I'm steph and I live in Des Moines and was wondering about places to get good vegan/vegetarian stuff like food, soaps, shampoo...etc. I just made the choice to be vegetarian and am the only person I know who doesn't eat meat so I really have no clue where to go and what to get. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Aristede]

Hi, Steph! I don't live in Des Moines, but there are several different resources available online that may help you find what you are looking for.

The Vegetarian Resource Group has a database of restaurants that you may or may not be familiar with in Des Moines and vicinity:

http://www.vrg.org/restaurant/Iowa.php

Additionally, VegGuide.org has a listing of grocers, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries that are vegetarian- and vegan-friendly.

http://www.vegguide.org/region/659

There is a natural foods grocer in Des Moines called New City Market Natural Foods.

http://www.newcitymarket.com/

Sometimes it's hard to determine if product is vegan or if the company that makes it is ethically sound (no animal testing). PETA has a searchable database that can help you figure this out:

http://www.peta.org/living/beauty-and-personal-care/companies/default.aspx

If you interested in online shopping, check out:

http://www.leapingbunny.org/shopsearch.php

You might want to extend your search to West Des Moines and Urbandale, if that's feasible for you.

Also, consider using social media, like Facebook, to find other veg-friendly business. If you're so inclined there are also three meetup groups for vegetarians/vegans/raw foodies in Des Moines:

http://vegan.meetup.com/cities/us/ia/des_moines/

I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

Aristede

Edited to add Meetup information

 

[VeganIowan]

Hey, i just joined this forum and saw this post, which is great because I live in the des moines area. A few restaurant choices: New World Cafe, its downtown on, I think walnut? They have a Facebook page as well as a website. My wife and I absolutely love this place. Their food is absolutely amazing! Another restaurant you could try is called Fresh. They are small but also good food. They are located over by Valley West Mall. As far as grocery shopping, there is: Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Hy-Vee has a health food market section with plenty of choices. There largest location is probably now at the new location in ankeny. Let me know if you need any other help. O and i do know there is a local veg group that meets once a week at a restaurant to talk about all things healthy eating!