The Art of Catering to Different Dietary Needs

Gone are the days when a vegetarian option was the only dietary requirement caterers needed to consider. In this modern age, the ability to cater for various diets is core to any food-related business. 

These include allergies, lifestyle choices like vegetarianism or veganism, or dietary and cultural requirements including intolerances, health preferences and religious dietary restrictions. 

With so many special diets, where do caterers start creating a menu that meets a customer’s specific needs while still offering various options? 

First and foremost, it’s essential to communicate with your guests ahead of time and ask about any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have. This way, you can plan your menu accordingly and ensure everyone has something to eat.

For guests who are vegetarian or vegan, make sure to have plenty of plant-based options available. Also, consider serving easily customisable dishes so guests can build their meals according to their preferences.

For gluten-free guests, look for gluten-free alternatives to common ingredients like flour and pasta. Many gluten-free substitutes, such as almond flour and rice noodles, are also available.

Taking extra precautions for guests with food allergies is vital to avoid cross-contamination. Make sure to label any dishes that contain allergens and keep them separate from other foods.

Researchers in Clinical and Experimental Allergy suggest that Australia has one of the highest rates of documented food allergy and hospital anaphylaxis admissions in the developed world. The Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that 17% of Australians avoid particular foods due to an allergy or intolerance, a worrying total of 3.7 million adults. 

The Black Truffle team takes a multi-faceted approach to cater to food allergies and intolerances, including sourcing fresh ingredients, preparing food, and briefing staff.

Black Truffle’s approach has served as a value-add to many of its customers, as one of its long-time clients commented,  “We use Black Truffle Catering for our inner-city visits to clients. We have specific instructions on all food due to dietaries and religious beliefs, and Black Truffle continuously perfects the labelling and packaging. Clients always comment on this and are impressed.” 

For our team at Black Truffle, being able to cater for various allergies and intolerances is a positive. It sets us apart from competitors and ensures everyone feels welcome and included, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience.  View our complete Special Dietary menu for your next event.