The Subway located in Hughes-Trigg Student Center now carries gluten-free bread for most sandwich selections and (MICHAEL DANSER/The Daily Campus)

Students can now go to the Hughes-Trigg Student Center to get gluten-free meals, as Subway started offering the alternative options last week. Subways in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Tyler-Longview began testing gluten-free rolls and gluten-free brownies to give people affected with gluten allergies and celiac disease other options. SMU’s Subway is included in this trial period.

Senior Jeylan Buyukdura appreciates Subway’s actions of accommodating those affected with gluten allergies and celiac.

“I respect those companies [who offer gluten options] more and appreciate that they are making an effort to allow everyone to enjoy their food,” Buyukdura said.

Celiac Disease (CD) is a chronic inherited autoimmune condition affecting more than 3 million Americans, according to Celiac.com.

Gluten is found in flour, wheat, oats, barely, rye and malt.

Even small amounts of gluten can affect those suffering from CD, causing abdominal bloating and diarrhea. Untreated, people can experience weight loss, mild weakness and bone pain.

Sophomore Ali Fagan, who has been diagnosed with celiac disease, is glad that such a well-known chain is trying to become gluten-free friendly.

“I found out I was celiac when I was 13 and there was barely anything to eat,” Fagan said. “The awareness has definitely grown and it feels great to walk into a place where other people can order anything and I can get something too.”

SMU has its fair share of students affected with CD or gluten allergies. Many were not aware that Subway would be offering gluten free options but will take advantage of the on-campus options.

“I don’t eat on campus often, but if I am ever in Hughes-Trigg I will check it out,” junior Kelsey Curran, who has gluten allergies, said.

Before Subway began offering gluten-free options, students with gluten allergies or CD could eat potato bagels from Einstein’s or eat at Chick-fil-A. The Market in Hughes-Trigg and Umphrey Lee Center also have a gluten-free section.

All gluten-free rolls and brownies used during the test period come prepackaged and individually wrapped to each Subway, making sure gluten does not contaminate other ingredients such as meat, cheese and vegetables, according to Melissa Richey, public relations director for Subway Restaurants.

With more than 32,000 stores in 90 countries, the Subway chain is the world’s largest submarine sandwich franchise.