University of Wisconsin-Madison Allergy-Friendly Campus Guide

University of Wisconsin-Madison

“The university offers a lot of support for food allergies, which has been great for me. Last year I lived in the dorms and ate at the dining halls. All of the food is labeled with icons showing the 11 allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, wheat, corn, soy, coconut, and sesame). They also have an icon showing that a product is made on shared equipment or in a facility with a certain allergen. At most of the dining halls, students are not allowed to serve themselves which limits cross contamination. However, the salad bar is fully self serve, and I occasionally saw eggs and cheese in the bins where other ingredients were. There is one dining hall (Liz’s Market) that does not use any nuts or fish/shellfish, although, I never encountered peanuts or tree nuts at any dining hall on campus. Thankfully, I have never had an allergic reaction on campus. This year I live in an apartment which has not been an issue at all. The campus also has University Health Services (UHS) that is solely responsible for student safety and health. The university also provides McBurney Disability Resource Center which can provide any accommodations when necessary. I have friends who are celiac who had a nutritionist last year through the school and they would work with the dining halls to make safe options for them. Here is more information. Also, in classes, there have been times where professors have wanted to bring food into class, but they have always sent out a Google form in advance asking about students’ allergies. I am very happy and safe here! Update: I love UW-Madison! I have found that there are so many resources for me on campus and the surrounding areas that I am able to truly enjoy my college experience and not worry about my allergies 24/7. This has also been a huge relief for my parents!”

Four Lakes Market

“Four Lakes is located in Dejope on the far West end of campus. Everything is labeled with 11 allergen icons (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, wheat, corn, soy, coconut, and sesame). They serve dishes that some of the other dining halls don’t including poke and ramen. There are no nuts in this dining hall, however, there is the possibility that there could be cross contamination with some items.”

Chabad at the University of Wisconsin

“I go to Chabad for Shabbat dinners and other events. They are 100% nut free (except during Passover). They always have many gluten free options there as well. Every time I go, I feel extremely safe. The family has a young kid who has many food allergies, so they know how to accommodate!”

bartaco

“I love this restaurant! I have never had an issue here because they only have one taco with nuts in it (pistachios). Their menu shows all of the ingredients (and is labeled showing if something contains gluten or pistachios), so there are no surprises. I definitely recommend telling your waiter/waitress that you have an allergy because a lot of the time they will put your table’s food on one plate together. So, clarify that you want yours on your own plate.”

Nitty Gritty-Madison

“I have been here twice and never had a problem. When I made a reservation online for my birthday I was able to say that I had a nut allergy and someone else in my party had celiac and when we arrived they gave us the allergen menus. They have items on their menu that have nuts, however, if you order something else (specifically from a different section) you should be fine). I have had the chicken fingers and the classic breakfast flatbread sandwich. ”

sweetgreen

“Sweetgreen is also insanely close to campus, located right next to the Chipotle. I find that it is easier for me to order online with my food allergies because there is a box to specify if you have any dietary restrictions/allergies. The portions are so large, so I normally have leftovers for the following day!”

Chipotle Mexican Grill

“This Chipotle is so close to campus. Last year, my dorm was a 2 minute walk away! It is always a place I can trust for my allergies and it is so delicious!”

Poke Plus Madison

“I love Poke Plus! Every time I go they always ask if I have any allergies. They have no nuts whatsoever, so it is never a problem for me. My friend who has celiac is able to eat here as well because of the extensive measures they take to make sure everyone is safe. My favorite place to get poke in Madison!”

Liz’s Market

“Liz’s Market is my favorite dining hall on campus because they cater to those with nut and shellfish allergies! Everything is also labeled with 11 allergen icons (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, wheat, corn, soy, coconut, and sesame). They also serve Babcock ice cream. This dining hall is located in Waters Residence Halls, and is also conveniently located near a lot of classes.”

Kohl Center

“I feel safe going to the Kohl Center for basketball and hockey games because it is clean and there are options if you are hungry. They have packaged snacks like chips and candy that you can look at ingredients for. The staff that work at the concession stands are normally students and don’t know a lot about what they are serving. Here is the bag policy.”

Rheta’s Market

“Rheta’s Market is located within Chadbourne Residence Hall. All of the food is labeled with 11 allergen icons (peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, wheat, corn, soy, coconut, and sesame); however, there is the possibility of cross contamination. I have never seen nuts in this dining hall though.”