Find an alternative way to shop at the Refill Market at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. (Photo: The Refill Market) By Libby Nichols On a stretch of Ingersoll that’s always evolving, the Refill Market offers something new for Des Moines: a vegan, sustainable grocery store built as much around community as i t is around clean food. At first glance, the process might feel a little unfamiliar. No pre-packaged items line the shelves. Instead, rows of bulk ingredients invite you to slow down and peruse. But as owner Amanda Seal will tell you, it’s simpler than it seems. “Sustainability is for everyone,” she said. “Once people understand how [the process] works, it becomes second nature.” Here’s the gist: Bring your own jars, containers or bags, or grab some at the store. Start by weighing your container, then jot down the weight or have it recorded. From there, you can fill it up with exactly what you need, whether it’s gluten-free flour, lentils for a weeknight soup or a handful of chocolate-covered treats. When you check out, the container weight is deducted, so you pay only for what’s inside. It’s a system designed to reduce both packaging and food waste. “People don’t have to overbuy,” Seal explained. “You can get just what you need, and that’s better for your wallet and the planet.” The shelves are already stocked with a thoughtful range of ingredients, from rices and spices to olive oils, natural peanut butter, tofu jerky and more, with new items rolling in all the time. Seal is intentional about sourcing; she prioritizes clean, high-quality products, and tries to offer local options whenever possible. Some items may be cheaper or cost the same as a traditional grocery store, while other prices reflect the caliber of what’s on offer. “If something is more expensive, it’s because it’s the best quality,” she said. For example, she noted that their olive oil is used in Michelin-star restaurants. The idea for the Refill Market took shape after Seal fell in love with the Collective in Highland Park, a refill shop for everyday essentials like soaps and detergents, owned by her friend, Jamie Nicolino. Seal began imagining a similar concept focused entirely on groceries. At the time, nothing like it existed in Des Moines, so she decided to build it herself, stepping away from her role as operations manager at Climb Iowa to take on a new adventure. Her personal journey plays a role, too. After switching to a vegan diet to support her health, Seal began seeking out less processed foods and thinking more critically about what she was eating. She learned more during a year in Japan. “I felt so different there,” she said. “It made me question what we’re doing differently here and how food impacts how we feel.” Her three guiding principles are simple: Reduce plastic waste, minimize food waste and support local producers whenever possible. The way she acts on those principles feels personal. She greets customers by name, walks first-timers through the process and happily offers samples or recipe ideas. It’s not unusual to see her chatting with regulars about what they’re cooking that week or pointing them toward something new to try. Like the ingredients on the shelves, every interaction is intentional. “It’s not meant to be intimidating,” she said. “We’re here to help.” Libby Nichols is the creator and founder of Meet DSM. She also writes about local businesses and events for dsm magazine. ...read more read less