Two big food trends have started to take over IU’s campus.
Vegetarian and vegan diets have begun to spread across students for lifestyle, environmental and personal reasons.
Following these diets on a college campus can be difficult as nutritional options are not always available. However, Bloomington has been offering more food outlets for those following these diets.
One of the most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant is the Owlery. Located on the square, this restaurant specializes in meat-less options and offers menu items such as tofu scrambles, vegan omelets, hummus and quesadillas.
For those wanting to fulfill a pizza craving, King Dough offers a vegan pizza including different assortments of vegetables and vegan cheese. King Dough also offers customizable pizzas that customers can create to their liking.
Kirkwood Avenue is also home to the Laughing Planet Cafe, a restaurant offering vegetarian options. The cafe’s menu gives customers freedom with a wide range of vegetarian food such as nachos, chili, burritos and salads.
For those seeking a kick in their food, Siam House is a popular destination. Located on Fourth Street, Siam House was one of Bloomington's first restaurants to offer vegetarian options such as spring rolls, dumplings and soups.
The weekly Bloomington Community Farmers' Market offers natural, locally grown products such as honey, fruits and vegetables. For those living off campus, the market may be a useful outlet to buy healthy, non-processed foods to cook to one’s preferences.
Campus cafeterias are also making a change by including vegan and vegetarian menu items at the Collins dining hall and at the Herman B Wells Library.
There is also an organization known as VegIU that supports veganism in the community. VegIU is a group for people who want to learn more about or are already participating in a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Whether one is a die-hard vegan or is just trying out a new diet, Bloomington is growing in its variety of healthy food options to satisfy any craving.
