Carnival cookies from Acorn. Decadent muffins from Irazu. Fried chicken from McEwen.
All of these are beautiful possibilities for many Elon University students — besides, of course, those of us who are gluten-free. For me, along with hundreds of other intense label-readers eating on Elon’s campus, the options for dining without an allergic reaction or upset stomach are much less flavorful.
For roughly 33 percent of Americans, according to a survey conducted by the NPD group, the daily struggle of being gluten-free is an irritating reality. Whether you’re gluten-free by choice or by medical necessity, it’s no less sucky either way. Let’s just admit it — gluten-free bread is as unreliable as the BioBus when it comes to taste. I’m sure you’re tired of the headaches deciding where to eat on campus, so I’ll offer up some suggestions:
I. Gluten-Free Sandwiches & Wraps from Boar’s Head
These I highly, highly recommend. During a low point in my life last week, I truthfully consumed a Boar’s Head wrap for lunch and dinner — and then for breakfast the next day.
II. Two words: Tropical Smoothie.
Chances are, you’ve seen several hundred of those notoriously large, styrofoam cups around campus at least once in your time here at Elon. Stereotypically a sorority girl’s drink of choice, the smoothies from Tropical Smoothie (located over by Target and Ulta) are without gluten-additives and are packed with super foods.
III. Green World in upstairs Nades
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more gourmet than a sandwich or wrap, there’s a plethora of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options in Green World, in upstairs Nades. Not to mention, their soups and desserts are simply to die for.
Best of luck to you, my fellow gluten-free warrior.
May the odds of gluten-free options be ever in your favor.