When hosting for the holidays, taking allergies – or even food sensitivities – into account is more important than ever! Whether you or one of your guests have a specific dietary requirement or a more serious food allergy, with a little communication and planning, it’s easy to serve food that everyone is able to enjoy the party and delicious food! Here are some helpful tips for how to account for food allergies at your next party. 🥂
Ask Ahead 💬
When you send out invitations, ask if anyone has any food allergies. Make sure you find out all the foods they are allergic to and the severity of each allergy. Some allergies are mild, but sometimes, even trace amounts can trigger a severe reaction. A FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) study reports that there are over 170 foods that people can be sensitive to, but most food allergies can be reduced to eight different foods:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod)
- Crustacean shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
Keep Everyone Informed 📃
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, about four to six percent of children in the United States are affected by food allergies, with peanuts being the most common. Depending on how severe your guests’ allergies are, this could eliminate some popular party foods and treats. Instead of trying a number of new recipes that replace all of the ingredients a guest is allergic to, go for an easier solution. Make a simple recipe with just a few ingredients that you know are safe. If your guests are supposed to bring food and someone who is attending has a severe allergy to something, let everyone know in advance so that there are no surprises.
Rule Of Thumb 👍
Keep in mind that finger foods, like large bowls of fries and pretzels, lead to cross-contamination. For example, if someone reached into the nearby cheese doodles and then grabbed the French fries without wiping his hands, a person with a milk allergy shouldn’t now eat those fries. If you want to take extra precautions, set up a separate bowl of goodies for people with allergies. It is so easy to show your guests how important it is to you that they are able to stay safe and still enjoy all of the party treats.
Links to Treat Ideas 🥧
The holidays are all about good times with close friends and amazing food. So we found some of our favorite allergy-friendly holiday test recipes below!