Are allergen free menu choices shrinking?

Since lockdown ended and we can all started to go out to restaurants to eat again it became evident that choices for free from foods had drastically reduced. It’s understandable why that was, less availability, smaller staff teams, stricter processes and many more restrictions regarding covid and safety that rightly took priority.

When we were not able to leave our houses again the takeaway options were still not safe or available for those with food allergies; choices have reduced and companies seem reluctant to prioritise allergic diners in favour or recouping losses made. I totally understand this, smaller menus meant they could focus on building their businesses back up after a tough few years of trading.

Choices have reduced for allergic diners

I don’t know about any of you, but from my own small adventures eating out again after lockdown, I’ve noticed a marked reduction in choice and confidence in allergen free options. A few things I’ve observed:

Less or no free from options More focus on vegan and gluten free meals (not suitable for dairy, egg or fish allergic people as laws for vegan food do not require totally free from food, just the intention to do the best they can)Fewer options created that are easily free fromSmaller menus, meaning less choicePoor processes meaning staff can’t check even if they want toMore ‘may contain’ blanket statements that aren’t welcoming to allergic diners

So what can we do to feel safe and included when eating out? And what can restaurants and cafes do to address this issue?

An example of a poor eating out experience

I recently visited Bill’s in Bracknell with friends one Friday evening. I’ve had good experiences at Bill’s and we chose it because of that. I checked the website and looked at the allergen menu and contacted them before going and was assured they would be able to cater for me. However on the night, there was only one thing suitable, the steak – always the MOST expensive option on the menu. There was NO safe carb option as the chips were not safe due to potential cross contamination. They did not have any other safe potato sides and the rice contained grains. That’s pretty poor. I did manage to get some broccoli to go with it… but as you’ll see it’s a paltry portion of broc. I’d have been a bit disappointed if I’d paid a the side of greens at £3.75! Thankfully they didn’t charge me extra.

The only other thing on the menu suitable was a black coffee! There was a Coconut chai latte that sounded lovely, but it had really poor labelling on it and no ingredients listed on the packaging so staff couldn’t advise me whether it was safe. I accept that with allergies to dairy, wheat, soya and all nuts, this is maybe difficult for a restaurant, but I’ve definitely had more choice at Bill’s before lockdown.

Visiting another Bill’s, in St Alban’s for breakfast just weeks before I had a totally different experience. I was able to enjoy a pretty good breakfast with bacon, eggs, gluten free sausages and sour dough toast.

So what’s going on Bill’s? Where is the lovely green thai curry you used to do? Why so few choices for those with food sensitives?

It looks like Bill’s, instead of having an allergen menu, have chosen to offer vegan options, which do not have to be free from allergens such as fish, milk, egg etc. Great for vegans but not probably safe for people with allergies. Read, “Is vegan food safe for people with food allergies”.

I do however like the little allergy flags they put on the allergen free meals, a nice touch and lets me know I have the right meal.

What can restaurants do to include those with allergies?

There are loads of things you can do and lots of companies offering advice and consultancy. If you can’t afford to get professional advice, there are still simple ideas.

Offer things like jacket potatoes and simple rice for those with allergiesKeep labels for bought in products and make sure you know what’s in the products you serve.Start making a note of all the allergen bookings you get. What is in demand in your area? What are people asking for? Can you cater for them?Have dressing on the side so salads are accessible to allHave an allergen menu available, not just verbal information.Ask everyone if they have allergies when you take the food order, that way you normalise it help to remove the stigma that we are being awkward.Have an inclusive allergen statement, not an unwelcoming one that is basically covering your arse and implying we are taking all the risks and you’ll take no responsibility at all.

There are so many things restaurants can do. If you would like advice speak to Hazel Gowland, Jacqui McPeak and Caroline Benjamin, who provide advice, guidance and training in food allergen processes.

There are always safe places to eat out with allergies

It’s not all doom and gloom though, there are still loads of places that will be able to cater for allergic diners and I’ve had some amazing meals out recently. But for every great experience there have been times when it’s been really hard to find anything safe to eat and others where it’s been difficult for staff to help due to poor labelling and processes.

Here are a few of the good places that I’d recommend:

Locanda Locatelli restaurant reviewNo 1 Aldwych – 10/10 for allergen save diningThe English Indian (mobile fish and chip van)Pizza ExpressLoads of local cafes including Muddy Boots at Rowans and The Potting Shed near Jersey Farm in St Albans, interestingly both at garden centres!

There are probably many more and I’ll be exploring more eating out places over the coming months so watch this space! For more ideas visit Allergy Companions, the Trip Advisor for people with allergies

Free from choice at supermarkets has also become limited

Anyone else noticed their favourite free from snacks and go to staples are hard to find or just disappeared from supermarkets? I’m having to source things direct from the manufacturers because the free from choices in supermarkets near me have seriously reduced. I think this goes for all products, including the main stream not allergen free foods, but it hits the allergy consumer harder. We already pay more for our safe products, because it costs more to produce freefrom foods. We understand the extra costs but buying direct adds on postage and makes it harder to plan.

It’s important to support the independent brands we love by buying from Holland & Barrett, other health food shops and also direct from them; if you have the storage, buy in bulk to avoid postage, or share with an allergic friend. I wonder how many of our favourite brands will struggle to compete in a market which is pushing them to the side-lines.

It’s all about gluten free and vegan choice

Have you noticed that there is LOADS of choice for gluten free (with may contain warnings) and vegan diners (also with may contain warnings).

I understand why restaurants are choosing to follow these markets, arguably they are larger and in the case of vegans, they are not in danger of anaphylaxis or illness if they eat any animal products.

Whereas those with life threatening allergies could end up in hospital and coeliacs are made very unwell, vegans just won’t know if a meal is cross contaminated or even contains an allergen. Is it a bid to avoid potential law suits for allergen process negligence? I do get it, but it’s frustrating as it feels like we are being discriminated against and excluded from many places.

I also wonder how many of those with coeliac disease are finding they get ‘glutened’ more often, a phrase used for when they eat gluten by mistake and suffer the consequences. This is also very worrying as many coeliacs do not have any outward symptoms despite damage being done inside their small intestine. If undetected and prolonged this can lead to serious complications and permanent damage.

What has your allergen eating out experience been like?

I’d love to hear from you all. How has your experience changed since Covid? Is it easier? harder? The same as before? And I’d love to hear from any restaurants owners of chefs who have any ideas of how to make eating safe and inclusive for allergic diners.

You may also be interested in readingEating out with allergies after CovidThe post Are allergen free menu choices shrinking? first appeared on What Allergy Blog.