Experience FiDi, Health

Allergy-Sensitive Sweets for FiDi Summers

Delicious (and accessible) sweets for a summer day!

Indulge worry-free with delicious desserts that cater to sensitive eaters in Manhattan’s Financial District (FiDi). From nut-free to gluten-free to dairy-free options, FiDi’s vibrant food scene has a treat to satisfy every family member.

Here are some delicious (and accessible) sweets for a summer day.

Photo courtesy of Rita’s Italian Ice and Custard

Rita’s Italian Ice and Custard (4 South St.)
Located in Battery Park, Rita’s Italian Ice and Custard is a summer essential. Picking out one of their diverse menu of frozen treats for a stroll around the waterfront greenery is a joyful experience for adults and kids alike.

Backing up their hotlist of cooling desserts is an extremely clear chart of gluten-free and allergen-safe options. Rita’s even gives an overview of dyes used to obviate any potential reactions.

Photo courtesy of Baked by Melissa

Baked by Melissa (110 Fulton St.)
Baked by Melissa is a delightful mini cupcake shop offering vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free treats. The samplers are ideal for gifting in a pinch!

Founded by Melissa Ben-Ishay, the point of Baked by Melissa is to have fun with food, which means snacking with peace of mind. Tiny bites in crazy combinations and colors make for an exciting culinary opportunity. Baked by Melissa is an all-too-rare opportunity for flavors that are not only safe but exciting.

Photo courtesy of Red Mango

Red Mango (111 Fulton St.)
A national chain, Red Mango only has one location in NYC, and it’s across the street from Baked by Melissa. They offer a range of smoothies, juices, soft serves, frozen yogurt, and acai bowls. The frozen yogurt is gluten free, and they offer a range of vegan sorbetto flavors.

Red Mango is a great choice if you’re looking to get a sweet treat for the kids alongside a healthy treat for yourself. Or just get a green smoothie and a froyo… they balance each other out.

Photo courtesy of K. Minamoto

K. Minamoto (509 Madison Ave.)
K. Minamoto is a Japanese confectionery which serves naturally vegan treats called wagashi, which are each delicately crafted symbols of craftsmanship and precision. Their traditional wagashi offerings are made from simple, naturally vegan ingredients: beans, rice, wheat, sugar, agar, and fruit.

The flavors at K. Minamoto are seasonal, so there is always something new. From hanuoto (full cherries in jelly) to gozenguri (A chestnut wrapped in white bean paste and rice cake), these delicacies are authentic, well-made, and delicious. Because the offerings change frequently, double-check with the store for particular allergens!

Photo courtesy of Van Leeuwen

Van Leeuwen (224 Front St.)
The Van Leeuwen in Seaport is just as wonderful as every other location. Unlimited samples, a myriad of vegan options, and recognizable ingredients. Van Leeuwen has undeniably become a New York City ice cream staple even as they’ve spread from the original food truck to brick-and-mortar locations nationwide.

Warning: While they do carry some gluten-free flavors, Van Leeuwen’s products are all made in the same factory and not certified gluten or nut-free.

 

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