Finding good eats in college when you’ve got a specific diet regimen can be a frustrating trial-and-error process. But there are some choices when it comes to gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan eating that aren’t too far from the university’s gates. 

BLAZE PIZZA

For a crispy thin-crust gluten-free personal pizza made in just minutes, try Blaze Pizza on Route 1.  The made-to-order concept allows customers to choose from more than 15 vegetables, seven meats and six cheeses, including one vegan cheese option. 

The menu also includes six fresh salads and one legendary dessert — the s’mores pie.

An allergen information spreadsheet and even a calculator that computes nutrition facts based on your personal pan pie are also both available on the eatery’s website. 

“The personal pan is so great because it allows me to choose from vegetarian options you can’t generally find at a regular pizza joint, like ricotta, cherry tomatoes and arugula,” said freshman Jasmine Jack, who is enrolled in letters and sciences.

chipotle

CHIPOTLE

“No matter what your unique dietary needs are, Chipotle has options for you. Unless you have an allergy to delicious food, in which case, we might have an issue,” reads to Chipotle’s mission.

The menu at the Mexican grill chain is simple — choose from your choice of tacos, a bowl, a burrito or a salad and add your own ingredients. All options are gluten-free, aside from the soft flour tortillas.

For those with allergies, Chipotle does not use eggs, mustard, peanuts, sesame, shellfish or fish as ingredients in its food. It also offerstofu, called sofritas, for vegetarians. 

Chipotle offers an allergen spreadsheet on its website outlining which items contain milk, soybeans, wheat or sulphites.

And, an added bonus, Chipotle announced earlier this month its plan to start delivering food later in the fall. 

Dining Halls

CAMPUS DINING HALLS

The dining halls on the campus also allow special requests to be made for students who are gluten-free. Requests can be made on a weekly basis, and there’s a variety of premade gluten-free sandwich options available. 

“It’s really nice because I go there every day and I basically know everyone in the kitchen,” said freshman public health science major Cassandra Weir, who said she enjoys the gluten-free pasta and cake. “Everyone greets me, and they’re very accommodating. It’s even faster and easier than waiting in line.”

For the vegetarians and vegans, the salad bar is available with a variety of fruits, dressings and vegetables, which could also be paired with the vegetarian soup of the day.

“I make a Southwest-type deal, with black beans, carrots, corn and ranch,” said Jessie Bixby, a freshman business student.

Maryland Food Co-op

MARYLAND FOOD CO-OP

The Co-Op, located in the basement of Stamp Student Union, was an initiative created in the 1970s to bring healthy, natural food to the campus.

The eatery’s sandwiches are custom made to order by a friendly staff, with vegan friendly options such as tempeh bacon, vegenaise and tofurkey.

“Food Co-op is killer and the falafel wrap is super yummy,” said graduate student Charles Daly, who is a vegetarian.