Catering to Everyone: A Practical Guide to Dietary Restrictions in the Workplace

Have you ever planned a work event only to realize at the last moment that you hadn't planned for dietary restrictions? Some employees might have been left munching on lettuce in the corner while others enjoyed full, nutritious meals. 

Corporate catering is about more than providing a meal to team members. It's a chance for employees to connect and form memories over delicious food. When organizing an event or implementing an employee meal program, your company must consider workplace food allergies and restrictions to create meals everyone can enjoy and bond over. How do you go about creating this kind of inclusive catering? 

Read on for the full guide to dietary restrictions in the workplace to create a meal experience that all your team members can appreciate. 

What Are Dietary Restrictions and Why Do They Matter in the Workplace? 

People with dietary restrictions limit or eliminate specific food groups, foods or ingredients. People often follow certain diets for religious and personal reasons, or because of allergies. Companies that cater or implement employee meal programs must understand dietary restrictions in order to reap benefits like improved productivity and morale. 

Accommodating preferential or religious dietary restrictions promotes inclusivity, and accommodating food allergies in the workplace enhances safety. Around four in 10 Americans follow some kind of nutrition rule, and food allergies are increasing, too. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that since the 1990s, food allergies have increased by 50%, especially among children and sensitive populations. 

Working with experts can help remove the stress of creating meal plans that work for employees with allergies and other dietary restrictions. 

Common Dietary Restrictions and How to Manage Them in the Workplace

With workplace dining becoming more adventurous, focusing on global flavors and sensory experiences, it's more important than ever for businesses to cater to common dietary restrictions. Here are some of the restrictions employers should consider.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder present in people who lack the enzyme that breaks down lactose found in dairy products. People with lactose intolerance have trouble digesting lactose and may experience digestive symptoms and physical discomfort. Around 30 million American adults develop difficulty digesting lactose by age 20, and companies must provide food options considering these individuals. Here are the top foods to avoid when catering to staff with lactose intolerance: 

• Milk

• Cheese

• Yogurt 

• Chocolate 

• Ice cream

• Milk derivatives 

Gluten Intolerance

People with gluten-related health conditions avoid foods like bread, pasta and baked goods. Consuming gluten, which is a type of protein found in barley, rye and wheat, can cause significant health issues for those with gluten intolerance and celiac disease. 

Expert catering companies can provide delicious and wholesome gluten-free alternatives, such as rice, millet, sorghum and quinoa. 

Vegetarianism and Veganism

Vegans and vegetarians have special dietary requirements that they follow due to personal preferences, religious beliefs or health reasons.

Here are some of the differences between these two dietary restrictions:

	Vegan	Vegetarian
Diet	Vegans don't eat meat or animal by-products, including dairy, eggs and honey.	Vegetarians don't eat meat, but they do eat dairy products, eggs and honey. There are some variations, such as ovo-vegetarians who eat eggs but not dairy and lacto-vegtarians who eat dairy but not eggs.
Lifestyle	Vegans may extend their lifestyle choices to nonfood items by avoiding cosmetics and clothing products derived from animals or animal by-products.	Vegetarians may avoid some animal products, but their lifestyles do not generally extend to nonfood products.

Both vegetarians and vegans often enjoy meatless options like veggie sausage and black bean burgers. Finding a catering company that caters to vegan and vegetarian diets is necessary because some foods — like salad dressings — can be difficult to classify as vegan. 

Kosher

The Kashrut Laws permit Jewish people to only eat kosher, meaning "fitting" or "correct". The main characteristic of the kosher diet is the way of eating dairy and meat. Only certain animals can be classified as kosher, which excludes forbidden meats like shellfish and pork. Other animals, such as chicken, beef and fish, must be butchered and prepared in a specific way.

Here are the general rules surrounding kosher meal preparation: 

• Meat: Meat products can be consumed if they come from the forequarters of ruminant animals. 

• Fish: Fish is only kosher if it has both fins and scales. 

• Dairy: Products like milk, yogurt and cheese must come from kosher animals. Dairy and meat should never be mixed. 

• Equipment: Kosher foods should be prepared with equipment that is kept separate from non-kosher foods.

Catering kosher meals can be complex, so enlisting the services of a professional caterer can make employees feel more confident that their kosher needs are being met. 

Diabetes

Some common dietary restrictions result from medical conditions like diabetes. When catering to employees with diabetes, it's crucial to provide well-balanced options that won't spike blood sugar levels. 

Here are the key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes: 

	Type 1	Type 2
Causes	The immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreatic beta cells.	Muscle, fat and liver cells do not respond properly to insulin, and the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to compensate.
Impacts on Insulin	People with type 1 diabetes have little to no insulin.	People with type 2 diabetes cannot easily absorb insulin.
Influences	Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that could be triggered by viruses, foods, chemicals or genes.	Type 2 diabetes could be caused by genetic aspects, high body fat levels and other risk factors like age.

Creating a menu with low-glycemic foods like whole grains and nonstarchy vegetables is crucial. 

It's also beneficial to ensure sufficient protein, which can help stabilize blood sugar. Choose lean proteins like chicken or healthy plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu. Food should be prepared with healthy fats like olive oil, and dessert options should include low-sugar, high-fiber foods like berries. 

Food Allergies

Approximately 33 million Americans have food allergies, and more than 50% of adults with allergies have experienced severe reactions. With the sheer variety of allergens, managing food allergies in the workplace can be challenging. Knowing what allergies you could encounter is the first step to being able to accommodate them.

Here are the most common food allergies you can find in the workplace:

• Nuts: Peanuts and tree nuts like walnuts, cashews, almonds and Brazil nuts are common food allergens that can cause severe reactions. 

• Wheat: Wheat is one of the most common allergens, and it is complex to plan a menu without it because it's found in so many food items. 

• Seafood: Seafood allergies can be triggered by consuming, handling or inhaling seafood products. 

• Eggs: Egg allergies can be triggered by the egg yolk and white. Since eggs are commonly used in many baked goods, checking ingredient lists before serving is crucial. 

Expert catering companies are well-attuned to creating food free from allergens and have the equipment to avoid cross-contamination. 

Quick Tips: Managing Food Allergies in the Workplace Safely

Here are several strategies to manage food allergies in the workplace:

• Develop workplace food policies that outline how food is handled, prepared and served during events, complete with guidelines for employees bringing in food from outside.

• Create safe eating areas in the workplace where employees with food allergies can eat without the risk of cross-contamination.

• Review and update your food management practices to ensure they remain effective and relevant.

• Conduct regular training sessions on how to respond to allergic reactions to ensure that all employees know what to do in an emergency.

The Art of Inquiry: How to Ask About Dietary Restrictions Without Overstepping

A key to modern allergy management is asking the right questions. People's dietary restrictions can be sensitive and personal, so you must approach them with care. The goal is to be inclusive and for your employees to feel included rather than guilty for making you go the extra mile.

Here are some handy guidelines to help you collect dietary restriction information ahead of the event and create a menu to accommodate them:

• Send out an anonymous survey. 

• Hold a team meeting. 

• Put up a preferred food items list in a communal area. 

• Have an open-door policy so that team members can speak with you privately if they prefer.

10 Actionable Tips: A Guide to Special Dietary Requirements at Events

From figuring out how to answer dietary restrictions to planning menus, corporate catering comes with complications. Still, it's worth it when everyone is connecting over delicious meals!

Here are the top 10 tips to provide your employees with inclusive and heartwarming meals. You can also jump down to our key takeaways for a quick summary.

Planning Ahead

Planning is key to making everyone feel welcome at the table and promoting socialization through inclusive dishes. 

1. Plan Your Menus With Restrictions in Mind

An important mindset to adopt is treating every dietary restriction as an allergy. That way, no one has an unpleasant experience due to an otherwise seemingly inconsequential misstep. Otherwise, you might risk accidentally ordering only dairy-based dressings when one team member is lactose intolerant. 

And remember — dietary restrictions aren't limited to the food. They also include the preparation, such as the equipment used to make the meal. That's why hiring catering professionals is vital to an event's success. 

2. Incorporate Seasonal and Rotating Alternatives

Choose seasonal ingredients that are nutritious and easy on the environment, such as squash in the fall and sweet bell peppers in the summer. A rotating menu style is more sustainable and makes it easy to provide fresh foods. Food For Thought is a leader in creating menus that positively impact the planet, such as offering 100% cage-free eggs, creating sustainable packaging and sourcing local produce. 

3. Work With an Innovative Catering Organization

Working with the right catering organization is an excellent way to create an inclusive catering experience. Ensure the company is aware of different dietary restrictions and has experience handling them properly. Research your options carefully, checking the caterer's reputation and experience.

Look for a company that offers open communication channels to ensure alternative ingredients are available and that there are no cross-contamination issues. At Food For Thought, we've seen how dietary restrictions can impact corporate catering events, which is why we offer delicious meals for individuals with gluten intolerances, vegan preferences and other restrictions. 

Communication and Customization 

Keep communication lines open during the catering process so that employees can freely share their dietary needs. 

4. Create an Open Dialogue About Dietary Needs

Employees need to feel heard, especially when it comes to food. Take allergies and dietary restrictions seriously by creating an open, accommodating space to discuss them. An open-door policy or even an anonymous suggestion box can be handy. Being open about food preferences and dietary restrictions helps create menus that benefit everyone.

5. Communicate With Your Team

The best way to ensure everyone's dietary restrictions and allergies are accounted for is through effective communication. Create open channels to avoid last-minute changes and get all the information you need ahead of time. 

Send out an RSVP asking about allergies and preferences to compile a list of dietary requirements for events and help the caterers prepare. Asking employees to provide their contact details allows the catering organization to follow up for more information or elaboration where needed. 

6. Collaborate on Customized Menus

Once you establish open communication, caterers can create customized menus that nourish everyone. In addition to allergies and dietary restrictions, your caterer will need to know what type of event you're planning and how many guests you're expecting. Then, they can create an inclusive and delicious menu — from appetizers to desserts.

Working with a catering organization that offers customization options shows your commitment to inclusion and accommodation, which reflects positively on your company.

7. Offer Simple Customization Options

Professional catering companies like Food For Thought offer menus that allow for quick switches, such as a change of sauce or protein. This perk allows you to provide a fun and engaging meal that's easy for people with dietary restrictions to navigate. Customizable options work especially well for corporate events with exciting themes where employees can choose foods from a display of unique selections. 

Presentation and Evaluation 

Finally, it's time to present the tasty and inclusive options. After your event, gather employee feedback to see how you can improve. 

8. Use Labels and Ingredient Sheets

Use labels and provide ingredient sheets for every dish. You can use symbols, abbreviations — like "GF" for gluten-free — or whole phrases to highlight who each meal is meant to accommodate.

Ingredient sheets can be especially useful for employees with less common restrictions and allergies. They provide team members with detailed information so they can easily avoid ingredients they can't eat.

9. Provide Plenty of Alternatives

Even if you plan and offer customizable options, there will likely still be an employee or two who forget to inform the company about their dietary restrictions. Giving them a full meal is still important so they won't feel left out — or end up eating a plate of lettuce. 

Talk to the catering company about alternatives for common restrictions like vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives and gluten-free breads. For example, if you're planning a soup and salad bar, you can order some extra gluten-free rolls. 

10. Get Regular Feedback and Update Your Menu

Feedback is crucial to check employee satisfaction and ensure the food options promote inclusivity. Encourage employees to provide details on what they did and did not enjoy. An anonymous platform allows staff to freely share if they felt the food was not inclusive and what the company can do to cater to their needs in the future. Once you receive feedback, you can reach out to the catering company to make amendments and keep everyone happy the next time around. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Discuss dietary restrictions with your employees. 

• Use labels to show ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.

• Work with an experienced caterer like Food For Thought to provide inclusive meals. 

Create an Inclusive and Collaborative Workplace With Food For Thought Today

Imagine catering meals that create a collaborative, inclusive and positive workplace. Each employee has a nourishing meal in front of them, and no one is left behind. Food For Thought can help you do just that. We don't just make delicious food. We create food experiences that help your team form connections and boost morale. 

With more than 40 years in the industry, we know how to create inclusive meals that feel like a warm hug. We offer on-site and drop-off catering with fresh, sustainable and delicious dishes. Our customizable options make it easy to cater to people with dietary restrictions, and our in-house culinary chefs are professionals at meeting these requirements. 

Are you ready to transform your workplace into an inclusive and positive space through the power of food? Contact us for a free consultation and to learn how we can help bring your employees together using wholesome meals. You can also explore case studies from just a few of our happy corporate clients!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dietary Restrictions and Food Allergies

Get the answers to common queries about food allergies and restrictions in the workplace.

1. What Are Some Less Common Food Allergies in the Workplace? 

While you're likely familiar with common food allergies like peanuts and shellfish, there are several less common food allergies that can pose challenges in the workplace:

• Marshmallows: Allergic reactions can occur due to the gelatin found in traditional marshmallows.

• Corn: Allergies to corn can lead to hives, nausea, sneezing and other reactions. 

• Mango: Allergic reactions may include an itchy mouth and vomiting.

• Dried fruit: Individuals may experience swelling and throat tightness due to sulfites often found in dried fruits.

• Avocado: Allergies to avocado can cause an itchy mouth and gastrointestinal distress.

• Mustard: A mustard allergy may lead to skin rashes and respiratory issues.

2. What Are the Best Practices for Accommodating Special Dietary Requirements in the Workplace?

To foster a diet-inclusive environment for employees, try these tips:

• Involve employees in menu planning: Get your staff involved in the menu planning process for events via focus groups or feedback sessions.

• Provide clear communication channels: Establish clear communication channels, like a dedicated email address or an online form, for employees to express their dietary needs.

• Designate a dietary liaison: Appoint a dietary liaison or point person who is responsible for managing dietary needs and communicating with catering services.

3. How Can Companies Create a Culture of Inclusivity Around Food Allergies?

Here are several strategies for creating an environment where employees feel safe, respected and supported:

• Celebrate dietary diversity: Organize events that celebrate different dietary practices and cultures, such as international food days. This raises awareness about dietary needs while promoting a sense of community and appreciation for diversity within the workplace.

• Encourage dialogue: Create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable discussing their food allergies and dietary restrictions.

• Resource materials: Distribute educational materials that explain common food allergies and how they can impact individuals to help raise awareness and understanding.

• Recognize and celebrate efforts: Acknowledge and celebrate efforts made by employees and teams to accommodate dietary restrictions.

4. What Role Do Catering Companies Play in Managing Food Allergies in the Workplace?

Catering companies provide expertise, resources and services that help ensure safe and inclusive dining experiences for all employees. They implement strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination during food preparation and serving to ensure allergen-free meals are safe for consumption.

Catering companies work closely with employers to understand their employees' dietary needs and create customized menus that cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-free diets. They can also provide detailed ingredient lists for all dishes so that employees can make informed choices based on their dietary restrictions.