How to Cater for Dietary Restrictions in the Office Without Stress

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Catering for an office event can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you need to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions. Whether you’re organising a morning meeting, a lunch, or an afternoon tea, making sure everyone has something to eat—without extra stress—is crucial for a successful event. From vegan and vegetarian preferences to gluten-free or dairy-free needs, we’ve got you covered with tips to help navigate dietary restrictions in the office with ease.

 

1. Start with a Survey

Before diving into planning, send a quick survey to your team or event attendees. Ask if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies that need to be considered. This will give you a clear idea of how many people require specific meals, so you can be well-prepared without any surprises on the day.

 

Key dietary categories to consider:

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Dairy-free
  • Nut allergies

This simple step can take a lot of stress off your plate, ensuring that you’re fully aware of everyone’s needs upfront.

 

2. Opt for a Flexible Menu

Choosing a catering menu that naturally includes options for a range of diets makes the process easier and ensures that everyone is satisfied. At The Deli, we offer a wide variety of items that cater to different preferences and dietary requirements, so you can relax knowing all your bases are covered.

 

Here are some versatile catering options from our menu:

  • Salad Platters: Our salad platters are always a popular choice, with options like fresh garden salads, grain-based salads, and protein-packed varieties. Salads are a great way to provide vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options in one go. Plus, they can be easily customised with protein add-ons such as chicken or tofu.
  • Sandwich Platters: Offer a mix of traditional and vegetarian sandwiches, and include gluten-free bread for those with dietary needs. Our sandwich platters come with a range of fillings, so there’s something for everyone.
  • Individual Lunches: For a more personalised touch, consider our individual lunch options. These pre-packaged meals ensure that everyone gets exactly what they need, with no worries about cross-contamination or confusion over ingredients.
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3. Label Everything Clearly

One of the easiest ways to accommodate dietary needs is to ensure all food items are clearly labelled. If you’re offering a spread that includes sandwiches, salads, and platters, make sure each item is tagged with its key ingredients and any allergen information (e.g. "Contains nuts," "Gluten-free"). This way, employees with restrictions don’t have to ask repeatedly whether something is safe for them to eat.

 

Our catering team can help with clear and concise labelling when you order through The Deli, ensuring that everyone knows what’s on their plate.

 

4. Offer Variety in Snacks and Sweets

When it comes to snacks and desserts, it’s important to have options that cater to different dietary needs. Many people assume that desserts are off-limits for those with gluten or dairy restrictions, but that doesn’t have to be the case!

 

Consider offering a variety of sweet treats that everyone can enjoy:

  • Gluten-free cakes or brownies
  • Vegan-friendly cookies and slices
  • Fresh fruit platters

 

This way, no one feels left out during the coffee break or afternoon tea. Plus, at The Deli, we offer plenty of customisable treats, so you can mix and match to suit your team’s preferences.

 

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Still feeling unsure about how to manage your office event’s catering? No problem! That’s where we come in. At The Deli, we specialise in providing stress-free catering solutions that account for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding 10 people or 100, we can help you plan a menu that caters to everyone in your office without the hassle.

 

Our Let Us Decide service makes this even easier. Simply provide us with the details of your event, including the number of people and their dietary needs, and we’ll send you a tailored quote with menu recommendations designed specifically for your group. It’s the quickest way to ensure everyone’s requirements are met, from gluten-free options to vegan-friendly dishes.

 

6. Create a Balanced Menu

While accommodating dietary restrictions, it's essential not to overwhelm yourself with too many specific options. Focus on creating a balanced menu that includes:

  • Protein-rich options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free choices
  • Vegan and vegetarian meals

 

A well-balanced menu will ensure everyone has something satisfying to eat without creating unnecessary stress for you as the organiser.

 

Catering for dietary restrictions in the office doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning ahead, offering a flexible menu, and relying on professional help, you can create an event where everyone enjoys the food without worry. And remember, if you’re ever feeling uncertain, just let us do the hard work for you—head to our Let Us Decide page and we’ll take care of the rest.