Food Allergies

The Etiquette of Hosting Guests with Food Allergies

From “Is the house clean enough?” to “Will my entrées be ready in time for the aperitif?”, playing host raises many questions—including about food allergies. To ensure everyone has a good time at your table, here are a few etiquette rules to follow.

1. Play Culinary Detective.
Vegetarian, vegan, keto and raw food diet, food allergies, gluten and lactose intolerance: some people must closely watch everything they eat for many reasons.

It’s better to find out about it now than when you proudly unveil your prawn stir-fry in peanut soya sauce with extra sesame seeds.

By asking your guests about their dietary restrictions, you’re putting them at ease and letting them know you’re looking after them. It will also make checking the ingredient lists of the products you use more straightforward.

2. Unveil Your Menu in Advance.
Build anticipation for the feast by offering your guests a preview a few days before the big night. And if, by accident, a problematic ingredient ends up on the menu, they can let you know.

3. Prepare Dishes with no Common Food Allergens.
Health Canada has identified a dozen priority allergens. Add a few dishes that don’t contain any of them to your recipe book, and you’ll be able to come up with a five-star, ready-to-share menu that’s both tasty and safe.

Vegetable stir-fry, black bean corn fajitas, hummus, mushroom risotto, vegan cabbage cigars: these are just a few ideas for delicious recipes that will appeal to everyone.

4. Cook with Allergy-Sensitive Ingredients.
If you really, REALLY want to prepare one of your favourite dishes that contains troublesome ingredients, switch them for equally tasty alternatives.

Almond or oat milk can easily replace cow’s milk. Quinoa, rice and millet are naturally gluten-free and can be served like pasta.

WOOP4 flavoured mayonnaise is used like traditional mayonnaise—minus the risk of common food allergies.

The texture and appearance of sunflower and pumpkin seeds are comparable to those of peanuts, walnuts and sesame seeds.

Finally, WOOP4’s vegan faux fish allows people with fish allergies and those concerned about overfishing to enjoy a delicious feast inspired by the sea. Give your guests a chance to enjoy sushi, a poke bowl or a veggie salmon tartare that respects their needs and values.

Enjoy your meal!