I have heard countless people comment upon seeing a food
item that is labeled, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, etc. pass it
up due to the label that somehow translates to them as… “That must taste bad”
I suggest a little more thought be placed around this
decision.
Consider…
Your steak, be it tenderloin, flank or chuck is wheat free,
dairy free, egg free, peanut free, soy free, fish free.
Hershey’s kisses could wear a sign proudly announcing “gluten
free”. Would this cause you to drop them and grab another bag? (A marketing test I would LOVE to perform.)
Your apple, orange, mango, pea pods are all free of the big
8 allergens.
What are the big 8 allergens you ask?
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Crustacean Fish
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Soy
Wheat
Let’s not forget that most fudge and flourless chocolate is also
gluten free. OH, what a CRIME to have missed that taste sensation with a poor judgment
call to assume sand gluten = sans flavor.
The list goes on and on!
Keep these things in mind as you travel to parties and
gatherings. I promise you, you will be
AMAZED at what sensitivity friendly taste treats are hiding out there to be
discovered and enjoyed. If you are not someone that has had to deal with food
sensitivities, you may find the various “frees” intimidating and perhaps feel as
if they are a subtle warning to stay away.
They may just be the product of a very conscientious host. Food sensitivities and allergies are on the
rise at phenomenal rates. This is something you will likely see more often. Hosts
and catering services are reaping the benefits of business with this extra
effort.
That being said… use common sense when the plate of gluten
free, dairy free, peanut free chocolate chip cookies contains a much smaller
population than the regular “everything” cookie platter. You may want to back off for the sake of
ensuring the guests in need of food sensitivity friendly foods have had their
fill. (Have you seen the episode of How
I Met Your Mother with Martian Short at Marshall and Lily's party? He plays a vegetarian. There were vegetarian egg rolls at the party but they
were so good everyone else ate them and he had nothing left at the party to
eat. It was NOT pretty. Just something to consider!). This
can be solved by confirming with the host or catering. And who knows, your
consideration and awareness may pay off in impressing the person you have been desperately
wanting to flirt with all evening!
There is a difference in being respectful and being persnickety
and passing up the well labeled food due to new food fears. Don't shoot yourself in the foot!
Go forth and have a wonderful and delicious holiday season!
Judy B.
