• June 3, 2025
• af3-admin

Figuring out your ASU meal plan shouldn’t feel like a second major. Between traditional meal plans, weekly meal plans, meal swipes, and meal exchange, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide breaks it all down so you can start planning how you’ll eat on campus. You’ll learn how to use your Maroon and Gold Dollars, where to dine at spots like the Barrett Dining Center, and how to manage your card, credit, or cash with confidence. If you’re living at SoL or just looking to make smarter purchases, this is your go-to resource for navigating meal plans at ASU.

Key Takeaway

• ASU offers a variety of meal plan options to suit different students’ needs and budgets.
• Understanding the different types of meal plans, like All-Access and Block Meals, is crucial for making the right choice.
• On-campus dining locations provide convenient options for students, with dining halls and quick-service restaurants available.
• Students living at SoL have easy access to ASU’s campus and its dining facilities.
• Managing your meal plan effectively through online portals can help students stay within their budget.

Understanding Arizona State University Meal Plan Options

Types of Meal Plans

Arizona State University gives students several ways to manage meals on campus. From traditional meal plans with weekly swipes to flexible block options and Maroon and Gold Dollars, the choices are built to match how you actually eat. Each plan has its own balance of convenience and access to places like the Barrett Dining Center.
Here’s a look at the different ASU meal plans available:
Unlimited Plan: Best for students who want constant access to food without tracking their swipes. You can enter residential dining halls as often as you like.
Sparky’s Favorite (Weekly 14): Includes 14 meals each week. This is the standard plan for most first-year students and offers a balanced mix of meals and spending power.
Maroon Plan (Weekly 10): Gives you 10 meals per week. A smart pick for anyone who eats on campus once or twice a day and wants more flexibility with their spending.
Gold Plan (Weekly 7): A lighter plan for students who eat fewer meals on campus. It comes with 7 meals per week and a smaller Maroon and Gold Dollar balance.
Block Plans: Instead of resetting weekly, block plans provide a set number of meals for the entire semester. Good for students with unpredictable schedules.
All Maroon & Gold Plan: Comes with no swipes. This plan is built around a balance of Maroon and Gold Dollars that can be used for any eligible purchase on campus.
Barrett Meal Plan: Available only to students in Barrett, The Honors College. This plan includes access to premium meals at the Barrett Dining Center, with a small extra cost for select items.

How Meal Plans Work

When you use a meal swipe, you’re granted entry into one of ASU’s residential dining halls, including the Barrett Dining Center. Meals are served buffet-style, and access is tracked through your student card. Depending on your meal plan, your swipes may reset each week or be drawn from a semester-long total.
If you’re not in the mood for the dining hall, the Meal Exchange program gives you an alternative. It allows you to swap a swipe for a full meal at select retail locations across campus. This is especially helpful when you’re in a rush between classes or want something more grab-and-go.
Maroon and Gold Dollars add another layer of flexibility. These can be used like cash or debit at various food spots on campus, including cafés, markets, and restaurants. In addition, some ASU meal plans also include guest meals, which let you purchase an extra entry for a friend or family member without dipping into your weekly total.

Choosing the Right Meal Plan for You

Your living situation plays a big role in which meal plan makes sense. Students living on campus often have a mandatory meal plan, but if you’re at SoL Apartments, you get to decide based on your lifestyle. The close proximity to campus makes it easy to grab a quick meal between classes, so a plan with regular meal swipes can still be a smart choice.
Think about how often you plan to dine on campus and how much of your budget you want to spend on food. If you enjoy the convenience of walking to dining halls or using Maroon and Gold Dollars for coffee runs and snacks, the right plan can save time and simplify your routine. Students at SoL often find that having meals covered ahead of time gives them one less thing to worry about.

Cost of Meal Plans at ASU

Meal plans at ASU vary in cost depending on how often you plan to eat on campus. Some include meal swipes; others focus on Maroon and Gold Dollars. Here, we’ll breakdown the costs so you know what to expect:

Breakdown of Meal Plan Costs

ASU meal plans cost different amounts depending on how often you plan to dine on campus and whether you prefer structure or flexibility. Each plan includes a set number of meal swipes and a balance of Maroon and Gold Dollars for use at spots like the Barrett Dining Center.

Unlimited Plan

• $3,455 per semester
• Unlimited swipes at residential dining halls
• $300 in Maroon and Gold Dollars
• 48 guest meals included

Sparky’s Favorite (Weekly 14)

• $3,255 per semester
• 14 meals per week
• $425 in M&G
• 32 guest meals

Maroon Plan (Weekly 10)

• $2,780 per semester
• 10 meals per week
• $625 in M&G

Gold Plan (Weekly 7)

• $1,890 per semester
• 7 meals per week
• $325 in M&G

All Maroon & Gold

• $1,425 per semester
• No meal swipes, M&G balance only
• For upperclassmen living on campus

M&G dollars may transfer from fall to summer but expire after that. Meal swipes and meal exchange are not available during winter break, so plan your usage accordingly.

Comparing Meal Plan Costs to Off-Campus Dining

Living off campus gives you more freedom in what and where you eat, but that freedom comes with tradeoffs. Groceries in Tempe can run around $75 to $100 per week, depending on how often you cook and what you buy. That doesn’t include quick bites between classes or those late-night cravings that send you to a drive-thru.
Plenty of restaurants near SoL offer solid options, from budget-friendly burritos at Illegal Pete’s to mid-range sushi spots and casual hangouts like Postino. Meals typically range from $12 to $18 per visit, and those numbers add up fast if you’re eating out regularly.
While not every ASU meal plan is cheaper than grocery shopping, the cost of convenience is hard to ignore. With a meal plan, ASU students can count on, you don’t have to think twice about what’s open or how much cash to carry. For more insights into food, living, and life around campus, check out the SoL Blog.

Exploring On-Campus Dining Locations at Arizona State University

Food on campus is a key part of student life at Arizona State University. With your ASU meal plan, it’s easy to eat well every day.

Dining Halls

The Barrett Dining Center feels more like a boutique buffet than a typical college cafeteria. Reserved for Barrett Honors College students, it serves chef-crafted meals in an all-you-care-to-eat format with a rotating menu. Across campus, other dining halls like Hassayampa, Tooker House, and Manzanita bring their own flavor. From custom pizzas and Kosher options at Tooker to fresh global dishes at Hassayampa, it’s easy to dine well using just a meal swipe.

Cafés and Quick-Service Restaurants

Campus coffee shops like Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels are scattered across Arizona State University. These quick-service restaurants offer easy access to caffeine, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries between classes. If you’re craving something heartier, ASU quick service restaurants like Chick-fil-A, Qdoba, and Shake Smart serve up fast meals with plenty of variety, from burritos to smoothies.
Most locations accept Maroon and Gold Dollars, and some even participate in the meal swipes and meal exchange program. These spots make it easy to grab a quick meal without pulling out cash or credit. If you’re living nearby and want more details on local dining options, you can contact SoL to learn more about what’s around.

Making the Most of Your ASU Meal Plan

Your ASU meal plan can do more than just cover meals. With a little strategy, it makes eating on campus easier and more flexible. We’ll cover the important details about ASU’s meal plan policies and how to manage your account.

Understanding Meal Plan Policies

ASU’s meal plan policies are designed to keep things simple, but there are a few key rules to remember. Meal swipes must be used within the week or semester they’re issued. They reset every Thursday and do not roll over. Once the semester ends, any unused swipes expire.
Maroon and Gold Dollars from residential dining plans remain active through the end of the academic year. After the summer session, any unused funds are cleared and do not transfer to the next year.
If you’re thinking of changing your meal plan, ASU students can request adjustments during the first week of the semester through the MyASU Housing portal. Guest meals are allowed on select plans and work just like a regular swipe. Keep in mind that meal swipes and meal exchange are not available during winter break, and lunch is typically the last meal served before a major holiday closure.

Managing Your Meal Plan Online

Students can manage their ASU meal plan anytime through the ASU student portal, where they can check their meal swipe balance and see how many Maroon and Gold Dollars they have left. You can also purchase additional M&G dollars online if your balance runs low. During the first week of each semester, students can submit a request through the portal to change their meal plan based on updated schedules or preferences.

Tips for Eating Healthy on Campus at ASU

With a little intention and the right information, your ASU meal plan can support better energy, clearer focus, and a stronger routine.

Identifying Healthy Options in Dining Halls

It’s easy to overlook nutrition when you’re rushing to your next class, but the dining halls at ASU have more to offer than just quick bites. Look for meals that feel balanced, like a plate with a good source of protein, plenty of colorful produce, and a carb that gives you energy without the crash. Many residential dining locations include stations focused on fresh options, and some even feature made-to-order bowls or allergen-friendly meals. When in doubt, start with what looks closest to the perimeter of the dining hall, where most of the whole foods are.

Utilizing Nutrition Information Provided by the University

Arizona State University gives students tools to make smarter choices, starting with resources like True Balance, which highlights allergen-aware and balanced meals. The campus dining website breaks down menus and macros so you’re not guessing what’s in your food. If you’re looking for more support, ASU also provides access to student health resources, including consultations with dietitians who can help guide you through meal planning that actually works for your lifestyle.

Balancing Your Diet and Avoiding the “Freshman 15”

The truth is, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about making enough smart choices that you feel good throughout the week. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially during buffet-style meals. Drink water with your meal and take your time while you eat, even if your schedule feels tight. ASU also has plenty of fitness options nearby, from full gyms to outdoor rec areas, so you can move your body in a way that fits your routine.

Comparison of ASU Meal Plan Options

Plan Name	Cost (Semester/Year)	Number of Swipes/Points	Rollover Policy	Guest Meals	Best For	Winter Break Availability
Unlimited	$3,455/ $6,910	Unlimited swipes + $300 M&G	Meals reset weekly; M&G valid for academic year	48 per semester	Students who dine frequently on campus	Not available
Sparky’s Favorite	$3,255 / $6,510	14 meals/week + $425 M&G	Meals reset weekly; M&G valid for academic year	32 per semester	Students seeking a balanced meal plan	Not available
Maroon (Weekly 10)	$2,780 / $5,560	10 meals/week + $625 M&G	Meals reset weekly; M&G valid for academic year	Not specified	Moderate on-campus diners	Available
Gold (Weekly 7)	$1,890 / $3,780	7 meals/week + $325 M&G	Meals reset weekly; M&G valid for academic year	Not specified	Light on-campus diners	Not available
All Maroon & Gold	$1,425 / $2,850	$1,425 M&G only	M&G valid for academic year	Not applicable	Upperclassmen preferring flexibility	Available
Barrett Meal Plan	Varies	Specific to Barrett Honors College	Meals reset weekly; M&G valid for academic year	Varies	Barrett Honors College residents	Not available

Frequently Asked Questions About ASU Meal Plans

How much is a meal plan at ASU?

The average ASU meal plan ranges from $1,425 to $3,455 per semester.

What are the ASU meal plans costs?

Meal plans at ASU vary by type, including weekly meal plans, block plans, and options focused on Maroon and Gold Dollars. Full pricing is available in the traditional meal plans section above.

What is meal exchange at ASU?

Meal exchange lets you use a meal swipe at select P.O.D. Markets or retail locations on campus instead of paying with Maroon and Gold Dollars, cash, or a card. You’ll get a complete meal from the Meal Exchange menu that you can grab and go.

Outro

Whether you’re fueling up between classes or grabbing a late-night meal after a study session, there’s an ASU meal plan built to fit your flow. With options that range from unlimited access to the dining halls to flexible plans packed with Maroon and Gold Dollars, it’s easy to find something that matches your budget and appetite.
If you’re living at SoL, you’re just steps from campus, which makes having a meal plan even more convenient. No need to stress about what’s open or what to purchase—just swipe your card and eat. To explore your options and get the latest details, check out ASU’s dining site. For a closer look at student life near ASU, visit Living at SoL.