Allergy Friendly Campus Guide: University of Vermont

University of Vermont

“I have mixed feelings about UVM Dining’s policies. However, I am now a junior and don’t have a meal plan, and in the past year or so they’ve made some improvements. On one hand, they do have nut-free options. When eating on campus, I loved the Four station in Redstone Dining, as they are dedicated tree nut, peanut, gluten, and shellfish free, and I rarely ever see sesame there. However, they are only open for dinner. You can also order additional hot meals from there that take about 10 minutes to prepare, and I loved their gluten-free chicken tenders! During breakfast and lunch, I would recommend the Simple Zone area which is free from nuts and gluten, and you now need to have set up access with Student Accessibility Services to access it, which keeps it safe from those who might bring outside things in there. I would also recommend the Simple Servings area in Harris Millis and Central Dining, which is top 9 free, but they have limited options. I don’t personally trust many of the retail dining locations as there is sesame present in virtually all of them, but depending on your allergies they might be good for you. Jamal’s Chicken and the Halal Shack both have detailed allergen menus on the UVM Dining website which can be helpful. UVM Dining’s website also has all menus listed with allergens every day, which is great to check in advance, but I would always double check when you get there just in case. Additionally, Student Accessibility Services was helpful for creating pre-planned meals for me some days of the week so that I don’t have to worry, and I would definitely recommend setting up a meeting with them to go over your options before you even arrive on campus. Cat Pause and Waterman Cafe also do stock Vermont Nut Free Chocolates which is a plus! Overall, UVM is doable with allergies if you know how to access the right things, but it takes some planning. I got little use out of my meal plan, which is required when you live on campus freshman and sophomore year, but my UVM experience is much better now living in an apartment with a kitchen.”

Jules on the Green

“This is the most allergy-friendly restaurant I’ve ever been to! They are 100% nut-free and are very allergy-aware (the owner’s daughter has nut allergies). I feel so safe eating here and their menu is amazing!”

Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream

“Dedicated nut-free and great ice cream!! I’ve never had a problem here. They have an ice cream truck open in the summer, and you can find their ice cream around Burlington, including at Skinny Pancake on UVM’s campus!”

Vermont Nut Free Chocolates

“I absolutely love everything from Vermont Nut Free! UVM has some of its staple products on campus, but this store has so much more variety. It also only takes like 2 days to ship their stuff to UVM since it’s so close by if you don’t have a car on campus. I’m so lucky to go to school so close to here!”

UVM Redstone Dining

“The Four station at Redstone Dining Hall is so helpful! I ate here almost every night sophomore year. They are dedicated peanut, tree nut, gluten, and shellfish-free, and I rarely ever see any sesame there. You can also order additional hot meals from a separate allergen menu, and their chicken tenders were always my favorite. Definitely an amazing hidden gem at UVM!”

Ben & Jerry’s

“You might not think of Ben and Jerry’s as being super allergy-friendly, but trust me, they’re great! When I go I always tell them about my allergies and ask them if they can use a fresh bin and clean scoop, and they’re always able to and happy to help. I usually can’t get toppings there and am careful about the kind of ice cream I get, but I’ve never had any issues and they’re so good!”

Three Needs

“Ok I haven’t been here yet because I literally just turned 21 and it’s a bar, but I checked their menu and their pesto pizza specifically says next to it ‘GF—made with sunflower seeds—no nuts.’ Seems like a really good sign so I’m excited to try them out!”