Enjoying the Holidays with Food Allergies: Tips for the Host and Guest

Hosting a holiday gathering while accommodating guests with food allergies may require a little extra thought, but it’s worth it to make guests feel safe and welcome. Check out these essential tips to help you host and enjoy a holiday gathering that caters to everyone’s food allergies and dietary needs.

Tips for Hosting Allergy-friendly Holidays

1. Communicate. The first step is to touch base with your guests beforehand to make sure you’re aware of any allergies or dietary needs. Sometimes those with specific dietary needs may not feel comfortable voicing them. It's important to let them know that their needs are important, and you want to make sure food is safe for them to consume at your gathering. Important points to discuss include:

• What are their food allergies or dietary needs?
• Do they plan on bringing any dishes?
• Is there a safe dish they would like to request, such as any gluten- or dairy-free recipes?

2. Know Your Ingredients. The top 9 allergens include soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs and wheat. While these ingredients are typically easily identifiable on an ingredient list, the FDA is the best resource for allergen and labeling information. Be aware that many foods can go by different names, so be sure to read ingredient lists thoroughly. And there are other resources available. For instance, if you’re planning to create a gluten-free menu, check out our blog for glutenfree dessert recipes.

Don’t let the uncertainty intimidate you. Just be sure to check and double-check the ingredient list, and remember that asking questions is important.

3. Make Allergen-free Desserts Everyone Will Love. Allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free and nut-free desserts can be enjoyed by all. Try this irresistible Vegan, Glutenfree Pumpkin Pie or indulge in Keto Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Discover holiday baking recipes for every lifestyle, with allergy-friendly ideas like dairyfree recipes or nut-free desserts. Or, you can always start with your favorite recipe and just make a few swaps.

Easy Swaps for Common Allergen Ingredients:

• Milk Swaps - Oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, hemp milk
• Egg Swaps - 1 Tbsp. ground chia seeds or flaxseeds + 3 Tbsps. Water, ¼ cup applesauce, Aquafaba (the water in cans of beans, like chickpeas), ¼ cup smashed banana
• Butter Swaps: Vegan butter, Smashed avocado, Coconut oil

Now that we’ve gone over how to successfully host allergen-friendly celebrations, let’s jump into attending holiday gatherings when your own allergies are a concern. It can be challenging, but with a bit of preparation you can safely enjoy the festivities. Let’s look at practical tips to help you stay safe as a guest.

Tips for Navigating the Holidays with Food Allergies

1. Communicate. Let the host know your dietary needs. If you plan on bringing your own dish, it can be prepared ahead of time to save room in the host’s oven or fridge. Don’t be afraid to ask about what’s being served - prioritize your safety. Ask about ingredients and preparation methods. There could be a risk of cross-contact that you discover after talking with the host. For example, many people store brown sugar with a slice of bread to keep it moist. And if you follow a gluten-free diet, there might be cross-contact with wheat in holiday dishes that often include brown sugar, like candied yams or chocolate chip cookies.

2. Bring Your Favorite Dishes for Everyone. If you’ve had allergies or other dietary needs for a while, you’re probably used to bringing your own meals to gatherings. However, other guests may want to give your favorite recipes a try. Instead of bringing 1 serving, offer to bring a dish that everyone can enjoy.

3. Put Your Own Twist on Classic Favorites. The holidays are filled with traditional treats and delicious dishes that you may only get to enjoy once a year. If you’ve had to eliminate foods from your diet, you may have been missing out on some of the classics. The good news is, there are new products created daily that can meet the needs of those with allergies or food intolerances. Innovative products like gluten-free stuffing mix or gluten-free and vegan pumpkin bread mix can be great options. Use these swaps in your favorite recipes to make them fit your needs. Try new holiday recipes like Vegan Sweet Potato Rolls or Delicious Paleo Pumpkin Pudding (this one is also dairy-free).

Have a fun and delicious holiday season, regardless of dietary needs. And if you’re looking for personalized help with an allergy or need nutrition advice, schedule a telenutrition appointment with an expert Kroger Health registered dietitian.

_{Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not meant to provide healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.}