High Standards of Nutrition

We proudly recognize your food preferences and nutritional needs.

That’s why we offer diverse, complete-protein vegetarian, vegan, and healthy options during every meal.


“I am a healthy eater.”

A healthy diet is one that consist of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and our RD works very closely with the culinary team to ensure our menus provide just that. If you want to be a healthy eater and don’t know exactly where to start, contact our RD for a private consultation. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about Health on the Hill.

Every day we:

  • Flag “Smart Choice” menu items which follow a criteria based on USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans which take into account saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
  • Post calories for all menu items at the point of service in dining halls and food courts to help guide customers who are looking for the [more-likely] healthier choice.
  • Provide full nutrition facts and ingredient listings online for all menu items.
  • Seek feedback from our Student Dining Board and customers to improve nutritional variety.
  • Allow customers to substitute a side of chips for an apple using their PLUS swipes.

“I am a vegetarian.”

Lucky for you, we have a large vegetarian and vegan population here on campus. Since we strive to meet the demands of the population we serve, this means vegetarians will have no problem following a plant-based diet on the meal plan.

Every day we:

  • Flag “Vegetarian” menu items that exclude meat, poultry, seafood, or gelatin.
  • Flag “Vegan” menu items that exclude meat, poultry, seafood, gelatin, dairy, eggs, honey, and vitamin D3.
  • Designate a station at both dining halls to vegan offerings.
  • Designate a vegan fryer to reduce cross-contact with animal products.
  • Allow you to customize your meal to be vegetarian/ vegan at any of our made-to-order stations where you can also order soy nuggets upon request.
  • Offer dairy-free alternatives including soy milk and almond milk.
  • Feature vegetarian protein offerings such as eggs, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, tofu, legumes, seeds, and quinoa at our salad bar.
  • Ensure half of our soups and pizzas are vegetarian and occasionally vegan.
  • Provide vegan black bean burgers, garden burgers, and a dessert.
  • Cook with dairy-free margarine.

“I am an advocate for the environment.”

At CDS we strive to make an impact on the health of our planet through our sustainable menus. Through our partnership with the UNC Real Food Challenge, we ensure at least 21% of our food purchases are sustainable and locally sourced. This includes but is not limited to Firsthand Foods breakfast meats, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, Moala milk products, organic yogurt and bananas, humane chicken, local honey, and local produce. We also participate in “Meat ‘Less’ Mondays”, a global initiative to reduce meat consumption by 15% for the health of our planet and bodies.

 

Smart Choice

We proudly recognize your food preferences and nutritional needs. That’s why we offer diverse, complete-protein vegetarian, vegan, and healthy options during every meal.

  • Menu items that meet a criteria based off USDA Dietary Guidelines:
  • Saturated fat provides <10% of total calories
  • 0g trans fat
  • < 60mg of cholesterol
  • < 480mg sodium per serving
  • Sugar provides < 25% of total calories
  • Not deep-fried
  • Breads and pasta must be whole grain and contain 3g of fiber per serving
  • No partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
  • No high fructose corn syrup

Dietary Terms

Made without gluten – Menu items that are prepared without wheat, barley, rye, or any other gluten-containing ingredients.
Vegan – Menu items that exclude meat, poultry, seafood, gelatin, dairy, eggs, honey, and vitamin D3.
Vegetarian – Menu items that exclude meat, poultry, seafood, or gelatin.
Organic – Products that are 3rd Party Organic Certified
Locally Grown – Products grown or produced within 250 miles of Chapel Hill.
Sustainable Seafood – Seafood that is 3rd Party Certified.