The Florida Mennonite Bulk Foods Store Packed With Country Finds You Won’t See At A Supermarket

A sandwich called The Pilgrim comes topped with cranberry sauce and something called farm dust. I read that and instantly needed a road trip.

The same counter turns out an Amish Amigo breakfast sandwich. Nearby shelves hold Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie noodles and jars of jam.

There’s even a jam with a gator in its name.

This family-run market opened in 2018 and leans on recipes rooted in Mennonite heritage. It sits along a quiet stretch of rural Florida highway.

That makes it a sweet surprise for anyone driving between the coasts.

I love the idea of one stop covering lunch, dessert, and next week’s pantry. Fresh pies show up on Thursdays, and the ice cream case is loaded with flavors.

So how many whoopie pies can one cooler bag realistically hold?

Martin’s Country Market of Florida

Any store that names a breakfast sandwich the Amish Amigo clearly has a sense of humor. Martin’s Country Market of Florida backs up that fun name with serious homemade food.

The family-owned market opened in 2018 in Arcadia. Its recipes come from Mennonite heritage, and it’s also known as an Amish-style market.

Start with the bulk aisle, where spices, noodles, snacks, and pancake mixes fill the shelves. You’ll also spot BBQ sauces, jar goods, and Pennsylvania Dutch pot pie noodles.

The Dutch Country Bakery offers fresh breads, pies, donuts, cookies, and cinnamon rolls, with many treats prepared in-house. The bakery sources its pie crusts from Walnut Creek Foods in Ohio.

Look for Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Zucchini Cake with lemon buttercream, and Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Pie lovers should plan around the calendar. Certain pies, like blueberry, pumpkin, and chocolate cream, show up on Thursdays and Fridays.

Hungry right now? The deli builds sandwiches like the Cuban, the Turkey Club, and the BLT, or you can build your own.

The Pilgrim brings pan-roasted turkey, sharp white cheddar, whole berry cranberry sauce, and poultry seasoning. Breakfast sandwiches run until 11 AM, so early birds win here.

Save room for the ice cream counter, which features Windy Knoll Homemade Ice Cream. Biscoff Cookie Butter is one flavor worth a look.

Drinks include cane sugar soda, cold brew, iced lattes, sweet tea, and flavored lemonades. Martin’s family farms in Florida also supply produce, pastured pork, beef, poultry, and eggs.

The deli closes one hour before the store, and Sundays are closed. Pets stay outside, but an outdoor seating area sits near the ice cream section.

Address: 1999 SE Highway 70, Arcadia, FL 34266

Shoofly Pie

Legend says this pie got its name because bakers had to shoo flies away from the sweet molasses cooling on windowsills. That story alone makes it worth a try.

Shoofly pie has a crumbly brown sugar top and a sticky, rich molasses layer underneath. It tastes a bit like gingerbread mixed with caramel.

Most supermarkets never stock it, but Mennonite bakeries treat it like a classic. Pair a slice with hot coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness.

Buy a whole pie if you can, because it keeps well for a few days at room temperature.

Bulk Spices by the Scoop

Ever paid five dollars for a tiny jar of cinnamon? You will laugh at that price after visiting a Mennonite bulk aisle.

Spices here come packed in simple plastic bags, often weighed and labeled by hand. You can find everyday basics like garlic powder and paprika, plus harder-to-find picks like whole cloves or celery seed.

Buying in bulk saves money and cuts down on fancy packaging. Here is a smart tip: store your spices in airtight jars away from the stove’s heat.

They will stay fresh and flavorful much longer that way, and your kitchen will smell amazing too.

Homemade Apple Butter

Grandma would approve. Apple butter is slow-cooked for hours until apples turn into a dark, silky spread full of cinnamon flavor.

Despite its name, apple butter has no actual butter inside. The word simply describes its smooth, spreadable texture.

Mennonite markets often sell it in glass jars with cute cloth tops, making them perfect for gifts. Spread it on warm biscuits, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a dip for pork chops.

Once you taste the real thing, the watery store versions just will not measure up anymore.

Fresh Whoopie Pies

Picture two soft chocolate cakes hugging a big puff of creamy filling. That is a whoopie pie, and kids go wild for them.

One fun tale claims farm kids shouted “Whoopie!” when they found these treats in their lunch pails. Whether true or not, the excitement still happens today.

Mennonite bakers make them in flavors like pumpkin, red velvet, and peanut butter. Each one is usually wrapped by hand.

Grab a few extra, because they freeze nicely and make a quick dessert on busy nights. Just let them thaw for about twenty minutes first.

Old-Fashioned Hard Candy

Horehound drops, ribbon candy, and root beer barrels might sound like something from your great-grandpa’s pocket. In a way, they are.

Mennonite country markets are great places to explore nostalgic candies that can be harder to spot during an ordinary grocery run. With colorful bags and old-fashioned flavors, browsing the candy selection feels like a little trip back in time.

Older shoppers smile when they spot a favorite from childhood. Younger visitors get to try flavors like sassafras or clove for the first time.

Pick up a mixed bag and turn it into a family taste test. Everyone can vote on their favorite flavor and share old memories.

Farm-Style Cheese and Deli Meats

Sliced to order and stacked high, the deli counter is where many regulars head first. The cheese selection alone can take a while to explore.

Look for Colby, smoky cheddar, and baby Swiss, often made by small Amish and Mennonite dairies up north. Trail bologna and sweet Lebanon bologna are tasty meats you rarely see at chain stores.

Ask for a sample before buying, since most counters happily offer one. A good plan is to grab a little of several kinds.

Then build a country snack board at home with crackers, pickles, and fruit for an easy party plate.

Chow Chow and Pickled Vegetables

Leftover garden veggies never went to waste on old farms. Cooks chopped them up and pickled everything into a tangy relish called chow chow.

This colorful mix usually has cabbage, peppers, onions, and green tomatoes in a sweet and sour brine. You will also find pickled beets, eggs, and bread and butter pickles nearby.

Try chow chow on hot dogs, beans, or a plate of cornbread for a zippy kick. Each jar is a little piece of history, showing how families made food last through long winters without any freezers.

Baking Supplies and Specialty Flours

Home bakers, get ready to fill your cart. This section feels like a treasure chest for anyone who loves to bake.

Shelves hold bags of whole wheat flour, spelt, cornmeal, rolled oats, and clear gel for thickening pie fillings. You will also spot sprinkles in every color, dried fruit, and nuts priced far lower than at most grocery stores.

Buying exactly what you need helps with special recipes, especially during the holidays. Bring a list so you do not go overboard.

Then again, a few extra chocolate chips never hurt anyone.