Resources Archives

Allergen Component Testing 101

The most powerful and potentially life-changing diagnostic tool in the food allergy community is also the least known: the allergen component test. We partnered with Allergy Insider, an education platform from Thermo Fisher Scientific who conducts the majority of allergy blood testing in the US and is considered the gold standard, to provide the details you need to know so you can understand if component testing is right for you. Spoiler alert: if you manage allergies to peanut, most tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, wheat, or sesame we think the answer is a resounding YES!

Top 100 Food Allergy-Friendly Colleges 2023

May 1st is National College Decision Day and while many high school seniors are still deciding which school to commit to, students managing food allergies have an extra box to check. While we look forward to a day when every college is equally accommodating of food allergies, until then, there’s Spokin’s guide of the 100 Top Rated Allergy-Friendly Colleges. Out of the hundreds of colleges reviewed on the Spokin app, these schools are the top of the class with dedicated allergen-free dining halls and stations, allergen menus, knowledgeable staff, and willingness to make accommodations. In partnership with CHOMPS, we’re giving away a $500 college scholarship and CHOMPS Variety Packs! Details here.

Image credit: Washington University in St. Louis

Allergy-Friendly American University Guide

I think the allergy support at American University is great. Not only is the dining hall nut-free, but the other dining options on campus (not including the coffee shops—The Dav, The Bidge, and Starbucks) are also completely nut-free! The support for food allergies is great on campus and I feel comfortable with the Student Health Center, disability services, and dining services if I have any issues or concerns. The people here are understanding and there is nothing more reassuring than that I do not have to ask about nuts every single time I eat! They have sunflower butter as an option in the dining hall and some prepackaged sandwiches in the campus stores if that’s your jam! (no pun intended!) I’m happy here and have found some amazing people who are conscious of and thoughtful about my allergies.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide: Auburn University

In three of Auburn University's dining halls there are allergy stations called True Balance which serve meals free from the top 8 food allergens—my go-to place to eat for dinner! There is also a Panera, Au Bon Pain, Starbucks, NYC gyro food truck, and Amsterdam taco truck on campus! I find I can eat at all these places with no worries about allergens! Location: Auburn, Alabama

Allergy-Friendly Boston University Campus Guide

Each semester at Boston University, the nutrition center met with each student with dietary restrictions to figure out meal plans and safe options. A separate dedicated pantry in each dining hall is available to anyone with allergies.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide: Brandeis University

The dining hall at Brandeis University, worked hard with me to try to accommodate my allergies. They have a top eight free section in each dining hall that has hot meal options, gluten free breads, a dedicated microwave, toaster, allergy safe brownies, cookies, etc. With my long list of allergies they were not able to accommodate everything. I was able to easily get housing accommodations to have my own kitchen in a suite with three friends who all agreed to avoid my allergens. Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide: Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University has a Pure Eats section in each dining hall that is free from the top 8 allergens, and they serve it themselves to avoid cross contamination. There are gluten free sections as well, including a dedicated waffle machine! They have an app that lists every item on the menu and it’s ingredients! I will say that sometimes the ingredients have been vague (ex. “sugar cookie dough”) but for the most part I have a wide variety of safe eating options! Location: Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide: College of William and Mary

As a sophomore at William and Mary, I have been pleased with the College’s allergy policy and protocol. Menus are clearly labeled and 2/3 of the dining halls on campus have allergy-friendly “Simple Servings” stations and are completely nut-free facilities. The school nutritionist is a fabulous resource and a wealth of information. There is always room to grow, but I feel safe eating on campus with a food allergy. Location: Williamsburg, Virginia

Campus Guide: Colorado College

I would 100% recommend Colorado College to someone with food allergies. Get in touch with disability services, food services or a nutritionist at the school to work out a plan so you can use the dining halls with ease. Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Allergy-Friendly DePaul University Campus Guide

I am a current student at DePaul University and even though I have never eaten in the food hall, DePaul is very considerate when it comes to food safety. At all events they have clear signage on each ingredient. DePaul does a great job with being accommodating to any restriction or allergy. Don’t hesitate to ask someone! They have been a fantastic fit for me, socially, academically, and with everything from A to Z. DePaul does not have a student health insurance plan, which is disappointing.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Campus Guide: DePauw University

Make yourself aware of your options and what's available on Depauw's campus. Asking those who work in the cafeteria can be extremely helpful if you're unsure if they cater to your allergy - I didn't find out we had dairy-free milk until nearly the end of first semester! Location: Greencastle, Indiana

Allergy-Friendly Duke University Campus Guide

Duke is an almost completely nut free campus with everything labeled very clearly. Any questions can be directed to specifically designated people wearing hats that are trained to answer any questions about allergies. Staff will also change gloves for anyone with allergies.

Location: Durham, North Carolina

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