Food Allergy? You Can Still Enjoy Eating Out

Roughly one-third of Americans have food allergies, including about 27 million adults, making it challenging to plan healthy, nutritious meals. When it comes to eating at restaurants, knowing what to eat to avoid symptoms becomes even more problematic.

Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to enjoy socializing with friends, family, and coworkers without constantly stressing about your allergies. In this post, the team at Allergy Associates of Utah is happy to provide a few practical tips to help you navigate restaurants with confidence despite the challenges of food allergies.

Plan ahead

Most restaurants have their menus posted online, and some even list ingredients or designate which dishes are allergy-friendly. Before heading out, research which restaurants include options that appeal to you and suit your needs. 

If the restaurant choice is up to someone else, spend time evaluating the menu and making your food choices ahead of time, or filter online reviews of the restaurant for the keyword allergy.

Call to confirm

No online information? Online menu out of date or incomplete? Calling the restaurant is the next best thing. In fact, calling in advance is always a good idea if you have complex needs, like multiple allergies or sensitivities. You can also ask about the ability to modify certain dishes, leaving out sauces or dairy, for instance.

Consider timing

If you have control over what time you’re going out to eat, choose an “off-peak” time when the kitchen is less likely to be busy. A quieter time means the chef will be able to devote more attention to your order, especially if you’ve modified it, avoiding mistakes that could trigger symptoms.

Choose the right restaurant

Some restaurants may be more prone to cross-contamination, increasing the risk of allergic reactions. For example, many Asian dishes involve peanuts as part of their ingredient list. If you have a nut allergy, you might want to avoid these restaurants to limit the risk of contamination.

Likewise, if you have a gluten allergy, visiting a sandwich shop probably isn’t a good idea. The same is true of restaurants that use pre-made dishes or ingredients or serve food buffet style. These settings may increase the risk of cross-contamination with ingredients that cause your allergies.

Bring a chef card

A chef card is a simple card that lists detailed information about your allergies to make it easier for the chef to serve your needs. Give it to your server, and be clear about the need to hand it to the chef. You can download a template here.

Stick with familiar dishes

Restaurants probably aren’t the best place to try a new type of food, particularly if you haven’t researched it thoroughly beforehand. Stick with tried-and-true options and ask questions to ensure the chef doesn’t use unexpected ingredients.

Look for food choices with basic ingredients to make it easier to ask any questions you might have. Skip sauces and avoid fried foods where oil may be used to prepare a variety of different foods, including ones that trigger your allergies.

Carry emergency medications

This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth noting: Never go out to eat without your emergency medications. Even the most scrupulous pre-planning can’t completely rule out the risk of “accidents.” If you use an auto-injector, make sure at least one of your companions knows how to use it.

Keep a list

When you find an allergy-friendly restaurant, make a note of it so you can suggest it the next time you're out with friends. Be sure to leave a positive review online to show your appreciation and raise awareness of the need for allergy-friendly options.

Having a food allergy shouldn’t mean sacrificing your quality of life. To learn how we can help you navigate the challenges of managing your allergy, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Allergy Associates of Utah in Sandy and West Jordan, Utah, today.