Menus of Change
Better Food for People and the Planet
At the University of Guelph, we’re rethinking what it means to serve meals on campus. From plant-based innovation to sustainable seafood, we’re aligning our menus with health, environmental, and ethical values. Through partnerships, culinary training, and thoughtful sourcing, we’re transforming what’s on your plate to create a more sustainable future.
The Power of Plant-Based
What is Forward Food?
Forward Food is a global campaign that helps institutions increase plant-based offerings on their menus. Backed by a team of dietitians, chefs, and foodservice professionals, Forward Food promotes a food system that’s better for our health, the environment, and animal welfare.
Our Plant-Based Commitment
We’ve joined the Forward Food movement and committed to transitioning 20% of the meat protein on our menus to plant-based alternatives.
What we've done so far:
- Hosted a 2-day Forward Food culinary workshop with 20+ campus chefs and apprentices.
- Introduced dozens of new plant-based recipes, including 25 rotating plant-based bowls that have become student favourites.
- Built plant-forward meals, snacks, and desserts into menus across campus.
- Integrated education about plant-based eating into our social media campaigns and on-campus promotions.
Expanding Plant-Based Choices
We’re proud to offer more plant-based meals than ever before. From introducing the popular Beyond Meat burger at Royal City Grille to crafting our own house-made plant-based burger served at 100 Mile Grille, we’re making it easier for everyone to choose delicious, plant-forward options. Plus, Nosh & Nourish is our 100% plant-based dining concept, and plant-based daily features are now available across campus eateries.
We offer various plant-based kinds of milk at our cafe locations for your specialty and traditional beverages. When you're ordering a drink, ask the barista for your plant-based milk options. If you're using a self-serve station when getting a beverage, look out for the signs in the unit displaying where to find these plant milk options, as they are often stored in a nearby fridge.
Whether you’re plant-based all the time or just sometimes, you’ll find something satisfying and sustainable to enjoy.
Sustainable Innovation: The Smash Burger
In Fall 2021, we launched the Sustainable Smash Burger, a creative blend of:
- 50% VG Meats ground beef
- 50% Canadian quinoa, oats, and mushroom duxelles
This burger not only reduces the environmental impact of traditional meat but also helps repurpose food that might otherwise be wasted. It’s a great example of how small changes can have a big impact.
Sustainable Seafood with Ocean Wise
We’re proud to serve Ocean Wise-certified seafood, ensuring our seafood choices protect marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. Ocean Wise is a trusted global leader in ocean conservation and sustainable seafood certification.
What We Serve
- Campus Sushi – Made in-house by our chefs at Chef’s Sushi (UC Chef’s Hall)
- Atlantic Salmon – Sourced from Sustainable Blue, a land-based farm in Nova Scotia
- Steelhead Salmon – From Izumi Aquaculture, just 15 minutes from campus
- Arctic Char – Used in special events, sourced from Alma Aquaculture Research Station (AARS) in Elora, ON
Each of these operations is chosen for its commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and food quality.