Dietary Restrictions

By Author: Chris Ingallina
Total Articles: 16
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One of the most challenging aspects of ordering food for a work meeting or event is accommodating those with dietary restrictions. Recently there has been an increasing need for glutenfree and dairy free options among many other dietary needs.Choosing a meal that has options for all those attending is an increasingly difficult task! Below are some of the more popular dietary restrictions, and how to choose an option to accommodate them.

Gluten Free: Gluten free options are becoming increasingly popular.Gluten is protein found mostly in wheat, barley and rye, as well as a variety of other grains. But it can also be found in a variety of other foods. Gluten is often used as a stabilizing agent and is used in foods such as ketchup, soy sauce, pickles, salad dressings, and shredded cheeses.

As we learn more about Celiac Disease and the effects it has on those with sensitivities, more people are avoiding gluten altogether.Low-carb diets like the popular ketogenic diet also limit gluten consumption.

Gluten free options are becoming easier to find. Many caterers are adding gluten free options to their menus.Gluten ...
... free breads and sweets make it easy to include an option for those on a glutenfree diet.

Dairy Free: Adiet without dairy is most commonly chosen because of a lactose intolerance. Common foods containing dairy are cheese, butter, milk, and yogurt.To accommodate a dairy free diet be sure to include a sandwich or salad without cheese or butter.

Vegetarian: Another common dietary restriction is Vegetarian/Vegan. A vegetarian diet does not include meat and may or may not include eggs.Most caterers carry a variety of vegetarian options. For example, Ingallina’s Box Lunch, with locations in Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles, includes a vegetarian option as part of their standard assortment on all sandwich trays.

Vegan: The vegan diet is similar to vegetarian but a bit more restrictive. A vegan diet does not include meat or any other animal products such as milk or eggs.When choosing vegan options be careful to avoid common ingredients such as mayonnaise, cheese and honey.

Allergies: One of the most common allergies is a nut allergy. Some event planners choose to avoid meals with nuts altogether or choose to have any nuts put in a separate container. Most people with allergies are good about letting the host know in advance.Depending on the allergy, ordering a separate Box Lunch can be the easiest option. This ensures that the person with the allergy gets the food intended for them and avoids most cross-contamination.(For guests with a severe allergy, sometimes it is best to bring their own food, as even caterers with the best intentions can experience cross contamination!)

It is important when ordering food to make an effort to accommodate all guests. Providing an option for some of the most common dietary restrictions is an effective way to keep attendees happy and healthy! Order now with Ingallina’s Box Lunch, as we always make our best effort to accommodate any dietary restrictions!

Ingallinas Box Lunch is a top catering company offers box lunches, corporate lunches, office breakfast, cookies, party platters & more in Seattle, WA.