Restaurants and Gluten Free

Restaurants and gluten-free eating have become the focus of everyone who follows a gluten-free diet. There is no problem with asking a lot of questions when you're looking for a place to eat gluten-free, not just for eating but for your party, entertainment, wedding, etc. You should ask about anything that could improve your diet. Food service providers are used to receiving many questions about diet arrangements, so don't hesitate to talk about gluten-free eating with a meal company.

Whether you're getting separate gluten-free meals or specifically requesting gluten-free food, make sure to check all the boxes before hiring a potential food or beverage company. We've prepared a guide for you at www.josephglutenfree.com to know the questions you need to ask at the places you'll eat!

1.Do you have any certifications or training related to celiac disease?

If the meal company has a gluten-specific certification or training, it means they have tried to create options using gluten-free ingredients prepared to prevent cross-contamination. If the meal company is not certified, don't despair. Some pay more attention to the details of preparing a safe gluten-free meal than others.

2.We need to avoid almost everything that contains wheat, barley, or rye and most oats, including flour, bread, soy sauce, and spices that could contain flour. Do you have a menu that suits this?

Instead of assuming that a meal company knows all the details of a gluten-free diet, it's best to explain exactly what foods you can't eat. Restaurants and gluten-free eating are not difficult, you just need to know the right questions to ask.

3.What food choices do you recommend for my diet needs?

 Ask for gluten-free food recommendations before you have a specific menu in mind. Some cuisines are easier to make gluten-free than others.

4.Is there a price difference between gluten-free and gluten-containing foods?

 Some meal companies may charge more for gluten-free options than their regular prices.

5.How many gluten-free menus have you arranged or prepared?

 This question is very important when it comes to restaurants and gluten-free eating. The number of gluten öfree menus a meal company has prepared is a good indicator of their experience and knowledge in the field.

6.Can you give me references for other gluten-free foods you have served? 

Don't hesitate to ask for references and reach out to the meal company if they have a gluten-free meal service experience. They can inform you of any risks or issues, or alleviate your worries with a glowing recommendation if they had a fantastic experience.

7.Are fried foods made in a special gluten-free fryer? 

It is very important for a meal company to understand cross-contamination and how to avoid it.

8.Are gluten-free products prepared in a separate, special area using pots, pans and utensils that are thoroughly cleaned between uses? 

Again, cross-contamination is possibly the biggest concern when combining gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. Restaurants and gluten-free diets pose a great risk of cross-contamination.

9.Are you using whole foods or pre-packaged products?

 Whole foods are typically safer than pre-packaged products, so the presence of gluten in products may be less certain. Whole foods give you more control over what is in your meal.

10.Do you have experience baking gluten-free?

 If not, consider ordering your pastry from a gluten-free bakery specializing in gluten-free baked goods. If the dessert is the star of the show, you want to make sure it is amazing, like www.josephglutenfree.com's gluten-free cake varieties!

11.How do you indicate which foods are gluten-free?

 If you have both gluten-free and gluten-containing options, find out how the meal company will inform guests which is which.

12.How will you prevent cross-contamination when serving?

 This is especially important if you have stations or buffets and both gluten-free and gluten-containing options. Passed hors d'oeuvres and plated dinner service tend to be a safer option for preventing cross-contamination because servers have more control.

13.Can you accommodate other dietary restrictions? 

If you or your guests have other allergies or are on a vegan, dairy-free, etc. diet, find out if alternative foods can be easily prepared.

14.Do you offer food tastings?

 If possible, offer all guests a taste of the meal before serving, or if that is not feasible, offer samples or a menu of the meal.