Nutrition Tools at UBCO
This page helps you navigate menu icons, allergen lists, nutrition information and online menus like a pro.
Menu Icons
Menus in many UBCO Food Service locations are marked with icons. These icons let you know if a food item is prepared to meet your dietary preferences.
Vegetarian
Identifies menu items that fit a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet, including eggs, dairy and honey.
Vegan
Identifies menu items made from plant-based foods only, and exclude eggs, dairy, honey and other animal-derived ingredients.
Ocean Wise
Identifies menu items using sustainable seafood procured in a way that ensures the long-term health and stability of that species.
Halal
Identifies menu items that contain third-party Halal-certified protein.
Made Without Gluten*
Identifies menu items that are made without ingredients containing gluten.
to the risk of cross-contact. If you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy please
let us know before ordering.
Allergens
UBCO Food Services takes food allergies seriously. The most common allergens are labelled on all prepared food items – peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish, mustard, sulphites and gluten. Learn more on our Allergies page.
We do our best to accommodate students with allergies. Here are three ways to prepare for a year free from allergic reactions:
Connect with the Registered Dietitian
Our Registered Dietitian will help you find safe, delicious and nutritious menu choices on campus, and while cooking at home.
Learn About Allergen accommodations
While we don't have allergen-free facilities and can't guarantee a completely allergen-free environment, we take steps to minimize the risk of exposure. Read more here.
Ask before you eat
Always tell your server about your allergy before ordering. Ingredients can vary at any given meal. If you have questions about ingredients or preparation, ask to speak with a chef or manager before placing your order.
Online Menus
Plan ahead, or search for nutrition info while you’re at your dining location!
Menus for Sunshine and Comma are now listed online through a free platform called Nutrislice, which provides menu icons, allergens, nutrition information and ingredient lists for all the food available at these locations.
Filter the menu to see options that meet your dietary needs, calculate complete nutrition information for a meal, and create an account to save your preferences.
Nutrition Labels
Prepared foods in many of our locations have a nutrition information label.
Use this label to help you make balanced food choices that give you the nutrients you need for your daily activities. Here’s how to read a nutrition information label:
Serving size
This is the size of one portion of the food item. Nutrition information on the label is based on one serving of the food item.
Calories
Calories are the amount of energy in a food. Your body uses the energy from calories to do all of your daily activities.
% Daily Value
This lets you know if there is a little or a lot of a nutrient in a food relative to the amount recommended for a standard 2,000 calorie diet.
Total Fat
This is the total amount of fat in one serving. Fat provides energy (calories) and helps you absorb important vitamins.
Carbohydrates
This is the total amount of carbohydrates (starch, fibre and sugar) in a serving. Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel and energy for your body and mind.
Fibre
Helps you feel fuller for longer and keeps your bowels healthy. The higher the number, the better!
Protein
Protein gives your body energy, builds and repairs body tissue (like muscles), and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Sodium
Aim to consume less than 2300mg of sodium each day – too much sodium can lead to health problems later.
Footnotes
Footnotes act as a handy reminder that a nutrient with a percent daily value of 5% or less is a little, while 15% or more is a lot.
Need Some Support?
Ask a Question
Students in residence can email the dietitian with food or nutrition questions.
