We are committed to nourishing all guests by providing nutritious options that fit each need, no matter where they dine on campus. We support students with food allergies and special diets for medical, religious or personal reasons by providing the knowledge and resources necessary for students to make informed food choices in our dining locations.
Where to Start
1. Notify the dining team of your allergies and/or special dietary needs.
2. Schedule a meeting with one of our Registered Dietitians. We'll work with you to develop a plan to help navigate the dining locations and find the best solution regarding your meal plan.
3. Keep in touch. If we do not hear from you, we believe that you are successfully navigating the dining locations.
Dining Tips
- Always read the menu, ingredient, and nutrition information for foods you wish to eat to ensure you are properly avoiding the appropriate foods.
- When in doubt regarding ingredients in a particular food, direct your questions to our registered dietitian or manager on duty.
- Due to the self-serve nature of the residential dining halls, if you have been prescribed an epinephrine autoinjector, carry it with you at all times.
- Items at self-service stations may be prepared individually for you in our kitchens, just ask a chef or manager for assistance.
- Take caution with deep fried foods as frying oil is reused before being changed and may lead to cross-contact.
Although we take great lengths to accommodate students with food allergies, we prepare food in open kitchens where cross contact with foods containing allergens may occur. We rely on our suppliers ingredient listings and may not be aware of ingredients contained in the food, but not listed on the container or packaging. As such, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by our Director of Health and Wellness, Kaiten Zajac, MS, RD, LDN:
What if I have food allergies?
Tulane Hospitality works carefully to address food allergies, celiac disease, or other specialty diets. We certify our chefs, managers, and supervisors through AllerTrain, and all front-line associates through AllerTrain Lite, an extensive food allergy and gluten-free training program. Additionally, all True Balance employees go through additional training with our dietitians to safely manage the station.
How do I meet with the dietitian to discuss my food allergies?
The Tulane Hospitality dietitians are available to meet one-on-one with anyone who has specific dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure that your dining experience is safe, delicious, and nutritious! If you would like to meet with one of our registered dietitians, please schedule a meeting here.
Where can I eat in The Dining Room at Malkin Sacks Commons if I have food allergies?
True Balance, offered on the Second Floor of The Commons, provides safe and delicious food for customers with food allergies, intolerances, or other special dietary needs. True Balance offers freshly prepared proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates made without wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fin fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. Tulane Hospitality takes great measures to protect against the possibility of cross-contact. Separating equipment, utensils, storage areas, and preparation areas minimizes the risk, offering customers a safe and healthy dining option.
Outside of True Balance, Tulane Hospitality offers allergen labeling at each station, as well as full ingredient transparency online. Although we take great lengths to accommodate students with food allergies, we prepare food in open kitchens where cross contact with foods containing allergens may occur. We rely on our suppliers ingredient listings and may not be aware of ingredients contained in the food, but not listed on the container or packaging. As such, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please email our Registered Dietitians or schedule an appointment.
I'm gluten-free, what are some options for me?
Outside of True Balance, where foods are prepared without gluten, there is also The Stress-Less Pantry. The Stress Less Pantry is a dedicated space designed for guests with a medical need for gluten-friendly and allergy-friendly food options. Here, you will find options carefully curated to complement typical dining hall offerings rather than replace them entirely. Most items are individually wrapped by the manufacturer and may omit some of the 9 major allergens. Our primary focus is on eliminating the risk of cross-contact with gluten (wheat, barley, rye), peanuts, and tree nuts within this space. While our program is specifically tailored to exclude gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts, many of the approved products also avoid other common allergens. However, we always recommend that guests carefully review product labels before enjoying items from The Stress-Less Pantry.
The Stress-Less Pantry can only be accessed with an approved Splash Card. For more information, visit our Stress-Less Pantry Access Page
What if I am vegetarian?
We offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan and plant forward items throughout The Commons. To access these items, look for icons on the station signs and menus. You can also ask any of our dining hall staff for help.
I have a dietary need not listed here. What should I do?
If you have a dietary need not listed here, please email our Registered Dietitians or schedule an appointment.
Tulane Allergen Guide by Kaiten Zajac