Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to nutrition and allergens.
Can I speak with the Culinary Services dietitian?
Yes! We encourage individuals with dietary restrictions to contact our CS dietitians at dietitians@rhs.msu.edu to discuss needs. Our dietitian can provide tools and resources to help you navigate campus, as well as answer questions and facilitate meetings with the culinary team.
- Kelsey Patterson, RD, MPA
- Holly Christy, RD
Do you post ingredient and nutrition information?
Yes! MSUtrition (msutrition.rhs.msu.edu/NetNutrition) allows you to plan and track your meals, view nutritional content and ingredients for Eat at State menu selections, and filter menu options based on your allergies and dietary preferences. This helpful how-to guide (PDF) will guide you through using the site.
MSU Culinary Services makes every effort to thoroughly train our staff and label food allergies; however, please note that ingredients and nutritional content may change due to recipe substitutions, manufacturing changes, or other outlying factors. Please be aware that food items are prepared in a shared kitchen and do pose a risk of cross-contact.
What kind of menu signage is available in the dining halls?
Menu signs are posted at the points of service. Under the menu item name, there will be a 'contains line' listing any potential allergens/restrictions. Our menu signs track:
- Major 9 allergens (egg, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat/gluten)
- Alcohol
- Beef
- Coconut
- Gelatin
- Pork
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Please note: We only label allergens when they are physically present. If an ingredient list includes any of the following claims, the allergen is not labeled; however, information is available in the ingredient lists found in MSUtrition (msutrition.rhs.msu.edu/NetNutrition).
- Produced on the same line = no allergen
- Produced in the same facility = no allergen
- May contain = no allergen
Chefs and dining managers are available to answer any questions about ingredients or allergens. If you’re unable to identify a chef or manager, please ask the entrance host, and they can assist you.
Are there dining halls on campus that don’t use peanuts or tree nuts?
Yes! Nut-conscious locations include The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips, Sparty's Market at Holden and Holmes halls, and MSU Bakers.
This designation means everything served at these venues, or is house-made by our team, does not contain peanuts or tree nuts. Any items coming from MSU Bakers are not made with peanuts or tree nuts. Coconut is allowed.
Please note: Peanuts and tree nuts are still present in the kitchens of these dining locations, as these items are also available in self-serve areas (e.g., at the salad bar or almond milk dispenser). In addition, Sparty's Markets at Holden and Holmes are Grab & Go locations, offering prepackaged retail items (e.g., individual almond milk or candy bars that may contain nuts).
Do the dining halls offer gluten-free bread, dairy-free yogurt, and other common alternatives?
Yes! Each dining hall, except for Thrive in Own Hall, features a designated allergen-conscious area that includes gluten-free bread, wraps, muffins, cookies, cereal, and other alternatives. Dairy-free yogurt, soy milk, almond milk, and rice milk are offered as dairy-free alternatives. Individually wrapped condiments and dressings are available to help prevent cross-contact from serving lines.
Are there Kosher dining options?
Yes! Culinary Services offers kosher meal service at Brody Square and The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips. Service is available Sunday through Thursday for dinner during the fall and spring semesters.
To accommodate kosher dietary requirements, all foods served through the program are prepared in a certified kosher kitchen at Woody’s Oasis Restaurant in East Lansing. The program is certified by Kosher Michigan. MSU’s kosher meal service program was developed in partnership with Rabbi Jason Miller of Kosher Michigan; Cindy Hughey, director of the East Lansing Hillel Jewish Student Center; and Chuck Raad, principle owner of Woody’s Oasis.
During Passover, we offer canned tuna, hard-cooked eggs, matzo crackers, and packaged sliced meats that are kosher-certified for Passover. Single-service disposable dinnerware is also available upon request. MSU Hillel typically offers meal options as well. Please contact them for the most up-to-date information.
Are there Halal dining options?
Yes! Culinary Services offers meal options to accommodate students who require halal dining choices. A dining hall in each neighborhood will offer halal proteins for dinner. Halal proteins will be designated as ‘Halal’ in the menu item name. Vegan options are available daily to complement halal choices in our dining halls.
We also offer special options during Ramadan observance. More information is shared through our social media accounts (@EatAtState) and in the News section of our website, leading up to Ramadan.
Can I expect to find a variety of vegan and vegetarian menu options?
A wide variety of options are offered across campus to support a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. The Culinary Services team follows the guidelines of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian. The menu signs at the points of service and on the Eat at State menus will have one of the following icons if the menu item is vegan or vegetarian:
There are several venues across campus that are dedicated to offering vegan and vegetarian menu items. They can be easily identified on menu signs by referencing the icons above or through MSUtrition.
- The Vista at Shaw: Garden
- The Gallery at Snyder/Phillips: Garden
- South Pointe at Case: Veg Out
- Brody Square: Veg Out
- MSU Bakers also provides vegan baked goods in dining locations across campus.
The venues listed above are not the only locations that offer meatless options. Dining locations across campus offer at least one complete vegan plate (entrée, soups, and sides) for each meal, just not at a dedicated/consistent venue.
Are there healthy options to choose from?
Culinary Services offers a variety of selections and resources, enabling guests to achieve a balanced diet based on individual dietary needs. This includes options that are comprised of a wide range of nutrients. We all have different versions of “healthy,” therefore, our dietitians are available to meet with students to discuss dietary needs and goals, as well as resources for achieving them.
To contact a dietitian, please send an email to dietitians@rhs.msu.edu.