9 Healthy Places to Eat at Universal: My Healthy Food Guide to Universal Orlando

I had such a great time Universal Studios Orlando and was on the hunt for the healthiest food they provide! 

Here is a list of 9 places if you are visiting, and want to eat healthy while you are here. The following have gluten-free, organic, dairy free, nut free and allergen friendly options. 

1.  The Today Show Cafe had herbal teas, a “Soho salad” and overnight oats. Not organic but cleaner ingredients compared with 90% of the other food found at Universal that is fried and processed. They also have açaí bowls!

Photo credit to The Kingdom Insider

2. The hotels near Universal have Uber Eats and would deliver from Clean Juice. Clean Juice offers organic smoothies, juices, and food. All of which packed with high quality ingredients and nutrients. "Our goal is to provide a healthy food option while bringing a "hometown feel" to our community." Clean Juice was delicious!

3. Another company that delivers to hotels near Universal is Soho Juice Company Clean Juice. Soho Juice is a vegan and allergy friendly marketplace serving plant based products served from wholesome ingredients. Soho Juice is the go-to for organic green, beet and immunity juices and salads! Soho Juice company the most gorgeous açaí bowls, chia seed pudding and smoothies. You can order it to your hotel and have a really nourishing breakfast before heading to the park. 

4. Big Fire is a giant, custom-made wood fired grill situated in the middle of the restaurant. Your meal is cooked right in front of you. The wood used compliments each dish so that the smoked flavor is just right. 

Big Fire restaurant had the most tasty cauliflower steak I’ve ever had! Completely hearty with faro and fire roasted tomatoes which were perfectly complimentary to the dish! They give their dishes a fire-kissed treatment and enhanced using different woods, flavoring your meal with smoky flavor! Big Fire also have freshly grilled brook trout, which you can pair with fire-roasted vegetables and a fresh house salad. Trout is often a great healthy choice because it’s not factory farmed fish like salmon. If there is trout and salmon on the menu, choosing trout is usually always healthier, unless it’s wild caught salmon of course.

Photo credit to Unofficial Universal

5. Mythos at Universal’s Islands of Adventure also serve a cauliflower steak. If this is a new word for people, it’s a half a cauliflower cut and chopped like a “steak”, seasoned and served with fulfilling sides. At Mythos they have a dish that includes lemon-garlic roasted cauliflower, romesco sauce, stewed beluga lentils and topped with toasted almonds.

Photo credit to Discover Universal Blog 

6. Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar sashimi is a clean source of protein. They also have a Makimono Vegetarian Roll. This plant-based dish is a combination of fresh avocado, cucumber and asparagus rolled to deliciousness. 

7. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. was so fun to dine at! The grilled Mahi Mahi and peel and eat shrimp was delicious. This is a cleaner option when eating at a chain like this. My go-to is always a white fish and shrimp/prawns

8. Lombards Seafood Grille has a fun atmosphere as it is on the waterfront. Seafood is always a great, cleaner choice while out to eat as it is gluten-free, soy free and dairy free. So delicious!

Photo credit to Orlando Informer

9. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill have Matcha Overnight Oats with fresh kiwi, blueberries, and toasted coconut. Finnegan's a traditional Irish-American pub with live music. Such a fun vibe! 

I took to-go snacks with me to the park like SunButter as always.

We stayed at Loews Hotel in Orlando. The hotel restaurant had amazing food! They had a wide variety of vegetables to choose from. My plate was so vibrant and colorful! Highly recommend if you're looking for a place to stay while visiting Universal. 

As far as snacks around the park I didn’t see many healthy options available unfortunately. I did see a hummus snack which was about it. There are fruit cups as well, which is certainly an upgrade from candy! However fruit at these parks is of course conventional, just something to be aware of. 

One of The Earth Diet principles is to stay away from these things at places like Universal, as it’s conventional and most often contaminated with hormones, antibiotics and glyphosate:

• Chicken 
• Beef 
• Salmon 
• Eggs
• Potatoes 
• Soy
• Bread 
• Dairy 
• Fried foods 
• Candy and soda of course as they are loaded with refined sugars 

I understand people want to enjoy themselves at this theme park and usually want to eat some fun things outside of their usual diet - totally cool! I always say just balance it out with a cold-pressed beet juice from Clean Juice each day to  help your body detox. I personally don’t enjoy eating conventional fries and would rather wait to be able to make them out home or at a restaurant that use non-gmo oil and higher quality potatoes. 

I also took my Anxiety-Free supplement which has ten organic ingredients including Ashwagandha which is always good for any type of travel, and I never miss a day! I love the nourishment it gives my brain and nervous system. 

We can find healthier choices anywhere we go! And remember to always have snacks and a greens powder with you to be prepared and stay nourished. 

If you would like additional help email Food.Allergy@universalorlando.com prior to your trip for assistance in planning your meals around dietary restrictions or allergies. 

Fresh guacamole in the airport lounge, wow! So amazing!