Megha Hedge checks her phone before she checks the menu.
Standing outside San Diego State University’s University Towers Kitchen (UTK) between classes, Hedge, a second-year business major, scrolls through the SDSU Nutrislice app, scanning for sodium and carbohydrate levels before customizing her vegetarian sandwich order.
After a health scare, Hedge discovered the free app on the SDSU Dining website and has used it at nearly every meal on campus since.
“I don’t have to remember or calculate anything,” Hedge said. “I just open the app and instantly I can see if I’ve had enough protein or reached my salt limit, then make my order while standing in line. It’s so easy.”
The app provides real-time nutrition information, with filters that include vegan, vegetarian, gluten-friendly and dairy-friendly preferences, along with detailed nutrition facts, ingredients and allergen information. Nutrislice is customized and synced with Aztec Markets, University Towers Kitchen, The Garden, The Grill and the Faculty-Staff Club.
Amanda Nazario, SDSU’s first full-time registered dietitian in Dining Services, said the app is part of a broader initiative to expand access to reliable nutrition information and support.
“Our focus is helping students, staff and faculty manage food allergies and dietary needs so they can enjoy meals and stay healthy,” Nazario said.
“I know navigating campus food options can be overwhelming at times, so our team is here to create a supportive environment where everyone feels confident in their food choices.”
Individualized support
Since joining SDSU Dining Services in 2024, Nazario has launched nutrition 101 webinars and expanded individualized support services, including free meal-planning sessions and one-on-one dietary consultations for students.
“Last semester, I worked with more than 160 students, providing individualized guidance on everything from food allergies and intolerances to meal planning for specific health conditions, body composition, sports performance and general healthy eating plans,” Nazario said.
Additionally, SDSU Dining offers a variety of online nutrition resources, including self-guided programs such as the 19-Day Healthy Eating Challenge, the Celiac Guide and healthy eating and snack tips available through the Aztec Market Guide.
“We want our community to see nutrition as a tool, not a source of stress,” said Nazario.
“Food is central to our community and culture at SDSU,” she said. “By providing transparent and accessible information, support and tools like the Nutrislice app, we aim to empower our campus community to nourish themselves in ways that support their health, identity and success.”
For Hedge, those options have “taken a big load off my shoulders.”
“It not only saves me time, but it also makes me feel like SDSU is listening. We’re not just being fed, we’re getting holistic support, and that really helps me as a student.”