When planning any event, we want every guest to feel satisfied by the menu. That means always being mindful of dietary restrictions and how we can incorporate those limitations into our catering.
It’s been wonderful for us to see how dietary restrictions of all kinds have become more accepted, widely discussed, and accommodated in the catering and food service industries. We believe in the importance of accommodating every guest to ensure their meal is as safe as it is delicious. Our goal is to create inclusive menus so every member of your event can enjoy themselves without compromising on flavor and quality.
We don’t believe special dietary needs should be an afterthought. We believe they should be a central part of our planning process.
That’s why we’ve put together this little guide on how
Common Dietary Restrictions (and How to Manage Them)
Dietary restrictions and their motivations can vary, from health needs to religious adherence. As a caterer, our job is to understand these common needs and how to work with them when crafting your event’s menu.
Here are some of the most common restrictions and how we manage them in our catering.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free diets are often followed by people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or simply as a lifestyle choice. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, so any menu item containing those ingredients has to be avoided.
At Metal + Match, we offer a wide range of gluten-free options, from appetizers all the way through to desserts. We often use gluten-free grains like quinoa, rice, and buckwheat, and we ensure that sauces and marinades are gluten-free when required. Our kitchen is also mindful of cross-contamination when it comes to utensils and prep areas.
Vegan/Vegetarian
Vegan diets exclude all animal products of any kind, while vegetarians avoid meat but may include dairy, eggs, and honey in their diet. Both diets have become more common and accepted recently, and providing plant-based options is basically essential for most events.
Fortunately, we love crafting flavorful plant-based dishes using fresh, seasonal produce. Our chefs get creative, using plant proteins like tofu or tempeh alongside nutrient dense veggies for the perfect dishes.
Dairy-Free
A dairy free diet eliminates all forms of dairy, which is really important for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Milk, cheese, and butter are out — so we find delicious alternatives. Almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan cheeses are some of our favorites, and we’ve been known to create unforgettable items from awesome appetizers to delightful desserts, all completely dairy-free.
Nut Allergies
Nuts are one of the most common food allergies, and they can range from mild to life-threatening. When we do use nuts, we always ensure that dishes which contain them are clearly labeled, and we always are mindful of cross-contamination.
For guests with nut restrictions, we ensure that any dish served to them is completely free from nuts or cross-contaminated ingredients. We also offer creative, delicious alternatives so that no one is ever left out.
Kosher/Halal
Kosher and halal diets are unique in that they’re followed for religious reasons, and come with specific requirements about what types of food can be consumed and how they’re prepared.
Kosher diets require avoiding certain meats, like pork and shellfish, and making sure that meat and dairy are not prepared or consumed together.
Halal diets mean serving meat prepared in accordance with Islamic law, and avoiding all alcohol and pork.
We always work closely with clients to make sure we’re aware of any kosher or halal requirements. For kosher events, we offer a range of vegetarian and fish-based dishes that can be served without dairy. For halal events, we source halal-certified meats and use approved prep methods.
Communication is Key
One of the most important aspects of accommodating dietary restrictions is clear and proactive communication. At Metal + Match, we work closely with our clients to gather detailed information about their guests’ dietary needs well in advance of the event. This allows us to create a tailored menu that ensures everyone has a delicious and safe dining experience.
It all starts with a pre-event consultation, where you’ll have the chance to list any and all special dietary restrictions or requirements. We can then best discuss how to best accommodate these needs, and offer menu suggestions to make sure there’s no sacrificing taste.
Finally, we’ll also ensure that all foods are properly labeled to indicate which are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or otherwise suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
Inclusive Tastiness for Every Guest
Catering is about more than just serving food—it’s about creating an inclusive, memorable dining experience that all guests can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
By working closely with you and customizing our menus, we can prioritize guest safety and ensure that everyone leaves the table happy, safe, and satisfied.
Tell us about your needs to begin the process of booking Metal + Match today.