I don’t know about you, but I love a good party! Fun music, dancing, and of course, delicious food (that’s an absolute must)! I always enjoy arranging a party for my kids’ birthdays. However, you must be so careful about the safety of all the children, especially when it comes to food. Before I send out the invites, I’m always thinking in advance about how I can provide allergy safe party food for those with allergies.
In the U.K., around 7% of children suffer from an allergy, and there’s a good chance you will cater for an allergy or dietary need for parties of 14 or more children. Or even more than 3!
Whilst I get all nostalgic when looking at traditional party foods (they remind me so much of happy times from my childhood), I’m so aware that the majority of foods contain allergens, or come with a ‘May contain.’ The most common food allergens are milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts like almonds.
So how do you make sure that you are creating a safe party environment for the cute little partygoers?
Follow these tips when hosting parties for children with food allergies. Or for preparing your child with a food allergy for celebrations outside your home.
When hosting a birthday party, ask the parents of children if there are any food allergies you should be aware of.
Ask in person, send an email, or mark it on the invitation if any children have food allergies.
Don’t be complacent, and work with the child’s parent to come up with a plan for serving allergy safe party food.
If you’re the host and a party guest has a food allergy, clearly state those allergies in the invitation or reminder.
Politely ask other guests not to bring foods that might contain allergens. Let other parents know to ensure that everyone understands the risks of allergens being present.
I always keep snacks in their original packaging (with the exception of our delicious Angelic snacks of course), so that parents of children with food allergies can clearly find the ingredient label and check whether ingredients are safe.
Make sure that you use different plates to display allergy safe party food for kids with allergies, however if you can, try to avoid having allergens at the party when you can find alternatives.
Keep the packaging for reference and show it to the parent of the child with allergies when they arrive, this will help to reassure them.
Allergy parents will undoubtedly feel very anxious, so make sure you make them aware that you understand the seriousness of food allergies, this will mean so much to them.
If you enjoy baking or preparing treats for your kids party, then a big high five to you!!
However, the odds are that you have made food that is NOT allergy safe party food! Always make sure that you label homemade foods by making signs and clearly listing out the ingredients.
Highlight the common allergens, such as eggs, milk, and peanuts.
If your party cake is being made by a bakery, remember to ask at the bakery if they can give you a list of all ingredients used in any cakes or treats.
Since the introduction of Natasha’s Law, food outlets now must provide you with a full list of ingredients and allergens, so don’t be afraid to ask.
For kids with multiple food allergies, it can be even more challenging to make sure all foods at a party are safe.
If your child is attending a party, it’s definitely a good idea to have your child bring his or her own treat so that they can still enjoy the celebrations.
If you’re the host, go that extra mile and make sure you have allergen free treats suitable for kids with allergies.
It will mean the whole world to their parents; you really will fill their hearts with joy!
Our Angelic Chocolate Chip cookies are the perfect treat for parties, kids love them, and they are the perfect allergy safe party food!
I’d love to hear from you with any useful tips about preparing for parties, what are your favourite foods to serve?
Take it easy and look after yourself … and each other!
Kirsty
PS. If you liked this information on how to have safe celebrations with Food Allergies, you will love these:
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