Healthy Eating
Bentley University is committed to providing an accessible, equitable, and inclusive dining experience. As part of this mission, we strive to meet the dietary needs of all participants. If you have a specific dietary needs, please contact our Director of Resident Dining Operations, Patricia Aldred, to discuss appropriate accommodations.
Providing you with healthy options is something your dining team proudly does every day. We help you select delicious, nutritious and satisfying meals and snacks by highlighting well-balanced menu choices and providing nutritional information and tips to help you make choices that fit your needs.

Caffeine
It’s no secret that caffeine, a natural stimulant, is a staple ingredient for many college students. While consuming large amounts of caffeine can be dangerous, enjoying it in moderation can help us feel alert and energized. But what is moderation when it comes to caffeine?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently states that up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day is generally considered safe for healthy adults. However, caffeine can affect everyone differently, so it’s important to know your individual limits. Medications, body composition, time of day of consumption, and also food intake are just a few factors that can influence how your body reacts to caffeine.
How much caffeine is in…?
- 1 cup of coffee = 100mg
- 1 cup of green = 30mg
- 1 cup of black tea = 50mg
- 1- 12oz. can of diet Coke = 50mg
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder = 70mg
- 1- 12oz. can of Red Bull = 115mg
- 1- 12 oz. can of Celsius = 200mg
Absorption of Caffeine
Caffeine is absorbed quickly in the gut, causing blood levels of caffeine to peak. Drinking caffeinated beverages with food can help slow how quickly the peak occurs, leaving you feeling less jittery. Caffeine can stay in the bloodstream from 1.5-9.5 hours. Choose tea over coffee if you are looking for a longer-lasting energy boost without the potential crash. There is an amino acid in tea, called L-theanine, that slows the absorption of caffeine.
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/08/08/is-caffeine-a-friend-or-foe
Spring Mix Salad
Ingredients
- Salad Mix Lettuce (purchase at natural!)
- Avocado (purchase at natural!)
- Strawberries (purchase at natural!)
- Walnuts (purchase at Falcon Mart)
- Roasted Chickpeas (purchase at Falcon Mart)
- Dressing: Lemon, Lime (purchase at natural!)
- Optional: Goat Cheese
Directions
- Slice some avocado and strawberries, then add walnuts for crunch and roasted chickpeas for protein
- Squeeze some lemon and lime and enjoy!
Iced Matcha Latte
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup ice
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Directions
- In a tall glass, whisk the matcha powder with the hot water until all clumps are gone
- Add milk and maple syrup
- Whisk until evenly combined
- Add ice
- Enjoy!
Website

All Halal items will have the Halal logo next it to help identify them. At The 921 Halal chicken will be offered daily at the salad bar, in the chicken salad at the deli as well as the chicken at the pasta station. Halal chicken and beef will also be offered at Simple Servings and the Serrano station on a rotating basis. We also have Halal hamburgers available upon request at the Grilled station. At The LaCava Café we will have Halal chicken at the deli and pasta station every day.
We understand there are important steps into making sure these items are prepared the correct way. Our employees have been participating in allergen trainings and have been specifically trained on how to prepare Halal food. Our employees use separate pots and pans when preparing items made with Halal food.
Menu items with the vegetarian icon contain no meat, fish or poultry, or any meat products such as soup base. Our vegetarian offerings meet the needs of lacto-ovo vegetarians and may include eggs and/or dairy products.
Utilization of our website and filtering to your preference is the best way to get an idea of the meals that will be available to you. Some other options are:
- You can customize your meal at stations like the pasta, grill and omelet station inside the 921 as well as at Harry's, Currito, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
- Two salad bars on campus that have a wide variety of options for items as well as dressings.
- Fruit and parfait bar every morning at the 921 dining hall.
Vegan offerings contain no meat, fish, eggs, milk or other animal-derived products such as honey.
Utilization of our website and filtering to your preference is the best way to get an idea of the meals that will be available to you. Some other options are:
- Vegan station at the 921 dining hall offers breakfast, lunch and dinner vegan items. A rotation of Vegan desserts are served at this station.
- You can customize your meal at stations like the pasta, grill station, and Be Fresh inside the 921 as well as at Harry's, Currito, and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
- Two salad bars on campus that have a wide variety of options for items as well as dressings.
- Fruit and parfait bar every morning at the 921 dining hall.

