In the middle of his day, undeclared freshman Travis James likes to stop at the Sparty’s Express in the Union to get a quick snack, as opposed to waiting in the dining hall line at his residence hall.

Twenty-one available Sparty’s locations makes getting a meal more convenient because it’s quick and portable — unlike most items that cannot be taken out of a dining hall.

The Combo-X-Change option allows students with a meal plan to access a combo once a day, Monday through Friday, if they live on campus.

“I like how there’s such a variety of options and it’s nice because it’s right by my dorm,” James said.

Students living off-campus and faculty can use a Combo-X-Change multiple times a day.

In addition to Combo-X-Change being offered at Sparty’s, students can utilize the option at Serrano’s, the Union Deli, Riverwalk Market, Union Pizzeria and Pizzeria at Crossroads Food Court in the International Center.

But among the doughnuts, cookies, Little Debbie snacks and chips are healthier options with better nutritional value students can pick out to keep them going during the day.

Gina Keilen, a registered dietitian with Culinary Services, said hummus is a versatile option and can be filling.

“Containers of hummus could go with pita bread, chips or veggies,” Keilen said.

The Combo-X-Change lets students pick out an A, B and C item to create a meal on the go.

The A item is a beverage. Students can choose between bottled water, coffee, tea or juice instead of sugary hot chocolate or a fountain drink.

B items are entrees. Keilen said hot entrees and salads are great options opposed to a muffin or Pop-Tart.

“Culinary Services is experimenting with some new, fresh hot entrees and salads for Sparty’s that are available for Combo-X-Change,” Keilen said.

C items are small snack items, which could be saved for later in the class day.

Granola bars, string cheese and applesauce are all among the healthier snacks a student can get with his or her Combo-X-Change.

Dana Maxwell, Sparty’s employee and psychology junior, said some of the sandwiches and cereals are popular among the daily visitors.

Advertising freshman Kendyl James said she enjoys buying cereal bowls and milk with her Combo-X-Change for a breakfast on the go the next morning.

“I can make breakfast in the room in the morning instead of trying to make something at the caf because they stop doing it at 10:30 (a.m.) and I never make it on time,” James said.