Dietary Restrictions Made Easy
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS CHEAT SHEET:
VEGETARIAN: No meat or fish
PESCETARIAN: No meat, but fish is okay
VEGAN: No animal products nor byproducts such as milk, cheese, butter, eggs, etc (if it comes from an animal, it’s a NO GO)
DAIRY-FREE: No milk, cheese, butter, or anything containing dairy
LACTOSE-FREE: Can have certain lactose-free milks and cheeses, but generally no dairy
GLUTEN-FREE/CELIAC: No gluten products such as certain pastas, breads, wraps, desserts, anything with flour, etc (if Celiac, this is a SEVERE allergy and may not be able to be accommodated by a standard kitchen)
DIABETIC: Low cholesterol, sodium, saturated/trans fats, and refined/added sugars
KETO: Low-carb diet with focus on high amounts of fat and low to moderate amounts of protein
PALEO: Lean meat, fruit, and vegetable diet that avoids processed foods, dairy, grains, and legumes
HALAL: No pork or alcohol, and any meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws (Halal meat can be difficult to source and expensive, so choosing a vegetarian option is often the easiest solution)
KOSHER: No pork or shellfish, meat must never touch nor be served with a dairy product
In our diverse and inclusive world, dietary restrictions have become an essential consideration when planning events, gatherings, office lunches, and more. Accommodating various dietary needs is crucial to ensure all guests can enjoy the culinary delights without worry.
Selecting a catering company with expertise in catering for dietary restrictions is crucial. Celebration of Life Catering has extensive experience in preparing and serving meals that cater to a variety of dietary needs. You can read our reviews and testimonials from previous clients to confirm our commitment to providing delicious, inclusive meals.
To begin, if you are able, you can reach out to your guests ahead of time and gather information about their possible dietary restrictions. When placing your catering order, share your gathered information on dietary restrictions to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of your guests' needs. For events where you do not know exactly who will attend, we can make suggestions as to what should be included to cover all common diets.
We are always able to design a menu for you that incorporates gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices, along with other common dietary restrictions, to provide a wide range of options. We also clearly label each specialty dish to indicate their dietary accommodation. This will help guests identify what they can safely consume. Additionally, we can provide small tent cards beside each dish, clearly stating whether it is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. This proactive approach promotes transparency and allows guests to make informed choices.
For special guests with severe dietary restrictions or allergies, it may be necessary to prepare separate meals. We do our absolute best to accommodate and ensure the food does not contain the prohibited ingredients and there is no cross-contamination in the preparation. However, as our facility does contain things like nuts and flour, we cannot guarantee our food will be allergen-free on a micro level.
Ordering catering for dietary restrictions doesn't have to be daunting. By fostering effective communication, working with an experienced catering company like Celebration of Life Catering, and implementing clear labeling and precautionary measures, you can create an inclusive and enjoyable culinary experience for all your guests. Attention to detail and proactive planning are the keys to ensuring that every person can savor the event, regardless of their dietary restrictions, and we are here to make that process as easy as possible for you.
Written by Rae A. with help from ChatGPT