WHAT'S FOR LUNCH AT HARVARD?
LUNCH AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY >> FAR FROM HOMEMADE™
Part of an ongoing series on ingredients served at U.S. Colleges and Universities
Updated July 2026
Following is a snapshot of ingredients in the offerings available for lunch at Harvard University. (Source: Harvard University Dining Services Website 7/26)
Only a few of the items available for Lunch at Harvard are Closest To Homemade >> made with the type of ingredients we would use at home:
Following is a close look at what’s in several items on the menu:
1. CHIPOTLE BEEF TACOS - This item has seven ingredients banned at Whole Foods including Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil and multiple FDA-recognized Chemical Preservatives. (Source: U.S. FDA 2026; Source for banned ingredients: Amazon Whole Foods Website 7/26)
2. TERIYAKI EDAMAME, BROWN RICE & VEGGIES ON A GLUTEN FREE WRAP: Someone may choose this for lunch thinking it is a healthy choice but it contains multiple ingredients we would never use at home to make this wrap including several Chemical Preservatives.
3. SUNFLOWER SEED BUTTER & JELLY ON WHEAT - This sandwich is Far From Homemade with High Fructose Corn Syrup and three FDA-recognized Preservatives.
4. SAUCES: MILD SALSA and BOOM BOOM SAUCE - These Harvard Sauces contains multiple inclusions of FDA-recognized Chemical Preservatives.
5. TUNA SALAD AND LETTUCE ON SPINACH WRAP: This sandwich contains 8 ingredients banned at Whole Foods including two Artificial Colors in the Spinach Wrap to make the Wrap a green color.
Seen below, even simple items at Harvard have added Sweeteners:
And many items contain Chemical Preservatives:
GO LOCAL: Massachusetts abounds with farms and food and beverage companies and creators. Why doesn’t Harvard source their goods from local providers as much as possible? There is a huge missed opportunity to enhance students’ health and lives while simultaneously increasing the state’s economy, reputation and vibrancy. Massachusetts and all states should consider creating a network of farm-to-school resources for all of their local learning institutions. Lead the way, Harvard.
See what’s for Dessert at Harvard:
And learn about what’s on the menu at some other colleges and universities in the U.S.:
Discover food + beverages whose ingredients are Closest To Homemade in 300+ categories >> manufactured food + beverages whose ingredients are closest to those we would use at home to make the item. Neither money nor products are ever accepted to appear on the Closest To Homemade list.
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