While we love Ames for tailgate food and homemade ice cream, eating a more nutritious meal is always a great and convenient option in Ames. If you’re looking to kick bad-eating habits, or just need a few suggestions for date-night, check out these healthy eats around Ames.
Clayton Farms Salads
Some would say these are the freshest salads in Ames, and we’d have to agree. When we say fresh, we mean growing-each-green-onsite type of fresh. The excitement doesn’t stop there; Clayton Farms has its very own drive through for a convenient lunch or dinner pickup. Along with the wide variety of salads, they also offer smoothies, wraps, soups, and produce for sale. You definitely want to add this to your Ames bucket list!
Great Harvest Bakery and Café
As far as sandwiches go, this locally owned bakery is where it’s at. Using high quality, freshly milled, non-GMO wheat from family-owned farmers, you’re sure to find a tasty and nutritious meal. Choose from their long list of sandwiches, vegan/gluten-free options, salads, and homemade granola bars. The only issues is looking past their delicious specialty sweets (but don’t worry, we won’t tell anybody).
Lockwood Café
If you’re looking for free-spirit, earthy vibes, Lockwood Café is the place to be. This wholesome café is a one-stop shop for coffee & crepes. Their savory crepes, including the “Greek,” which has a delicious number of veggies and olive oil, is definitely recommended. Don’t forget about the classic sweet crepes, which have ample amounts of greek yogurt and mixed fruits. You can also add an egg or make any menu items gluten free.
Campustown smoothies
As the name implies, Campustown smoothies is a local smoothie shop in the heart of Campustown. Stop by for a delicious superfruit or protein smoothie, matcha, or boba! These drinks are affordable and delicious without the extra sugar of a tradition smoothie. Not only are these smoothies good for you, but good for the community as Campustown smoothies donates 5% of profits to local charities.
Tropical Smoothie Café
If it’s in a smoothie, it’s got to be good for you, right? Jokes aside, Tropical Smoothie has everything from Pea Protein Powder to Acai to add into their wide variety of smoothie options. We also highly recommend their options of flatbreads, quesadillas, salads, and wraps. Plus, if you order the Sunshine Smoothie, $1 goes to the No Kid Hungry Foundation!
Wheatsfield Cooperative
This community-centered sustainable co-op is not your average grocery store. In addition to their local produce and organic grocery section, they have a wonderful bakery and deli. With seasonal sandwiches, they’re perfect for any time of the year. While you’re there, grab a smoothie or juice named after Ames’ historic streets and parks!
@discoverames We love Wheatsfield and hope you do too! 💚🌽🛒 #DiscoverAmes #shoplocal #fyp #iowacheck ♬ Coffee Talk (Extended) – BLVKSHP
Blue Fish Hawaii Poke Bowl
This locally owned restaurant is not only budget-friendly but has a delectable variety of healthy bowls and green fruit tea. Choose to form their expert-made signature bowls, including a salmon lover bowl, with two types of salmon and veggies, or create your own bowl.
The Café
If you’re an Ames local, you know The Café is the place to be for a delicious dining experience. Serving balanced meals all day long, there isn’t a wrong time to try. Choose from their fresh and green menu, deli options, their specialty selection, and much more. Enjoy the delicious food you love without the worry of unhealthy dining.
