Affordable food and drink at Cardiff University
Eat well without breaking the bank
At Cardiff University, we know that keeping your student budget in check is just as important as maintaining your energy levels throughout the day. That’s why we’re committed to serving fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably-made food and drink options on campus – all while ensuring our prices stay affordable.
Our goal is to offer you tasty, nutritious meals without the hefty price tag, so you can enjoy a satisfying lunch or caffeine fix without breaking the bank.
Did you know that since 2021, we’ve kept our meal deal prices frozen, giving you the same value year after year?
And that’s not all! We’ve also made sure that all our CUFoods products are made fresh on campus daily, using locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients, so you can enjoy delicious meals while supporting ethical practices.
How our prices compare
We’ve also done the math on how our meal deals and everyday food prices stack up against some of the high-street chains located around the Cathays Park campus.
Here’s a quick price comparison for a typical lunch or snack:
| Item | CUFoods | Costa | Starbucks (Students Union) | Hoffi Coffi | Brodies | Greggs | Metchy's sit-in café |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich (standard) | £2.30 | £3.40 | - | £3.60 | - | Basic £1.30 up to £2.30 | £8.99 (double bacon baguette) |
| Panini | £4.00 | £4.99 | - | £4.95 | £4.00 (toastie) | Hot baguette £3.55 upwards | £10.99 (with chips and salad garnish) |
| Packet of crisps | £1.20 | £1.25 | - | £1.00 | £1.20 | £1.05 | - |
| Piece of cake | £2.75 | £2.70 | £2.50 | £3.50 | £3.50 | from £1.35 | - |
| Hot box | £3.95 | £5.70 | - | - | - | £4.55 | £10.99 (hot wrap, 2 fillings, chips and a salad garnish) |
| Regular cappuccino | £3.05 | £3.80 | £3.30 | £3.60 | £3.50 | £2.15 | £3.60 |
| Sandwich meal deal | £3.70 | £5.99 (toastie and coffee) | - | £6.45 | - | £3.85 | - |
| Hot box meal deal | £5.00 | - | - | - | - | £5.75 | - |
| Panini meal deal | £5.00 | £5.99 | - | £6.45 | - | - | - |
More than ever, we know how important value truly is, which is why many of our products are priced lower than several spots on the high street.
But it’s not just about price – we care about what’s on your plate.
Value doesn’t always mean wanting the cheapest item on the menu, we understand you want a great product when you hand over your hard-earned cash.
So yes, a Greggs cappuccino may be slightly cheaper, but with our coffee you know you’re getting barista-standard, specialty coffee roasted and brewed with you in mind.
We pride ourselves on offering high-quality food options that are not only tasty and fresh but also sustainably sourced. We’re passionate about supporting local suppliers and using ethically-produced ingredients in everything we make, all while keeping prices low to support you.
What does this mean for you?
When you choose CUFoods, you’re not only getting great food, but you’re also supporting local farmers and businesses and contributing to a more sustainable campus. So you can feel good about what you’re eating – without spending a fortune.
This year, our focus is to bring even more value to the table. So, next time you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, remember that CUFoods has your back.
Watch this space!
