By Mohammed Rizwan
•
January 29, 2024
For most of us, indulging in our favourite comfort food is a great way to relax and unwind. However, for the millions of Brits who live with food allergies, choosing something to eat can pose a number of risks and challenges. That’s because, depending on the severity of the allergy, consuming something you’re allergic to can be extremely dangerous, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, sickness, swollen lips, anaphylaxis and, in extreme cases, even death. If you’re hosting a party or function and you’re considering serving food, allergens are something you will need to consider. In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most common food allergens so you know what to watch out for. This should help you keep your guests informed to prevent any mishaps! Nuts Nuts are probably the most obvious place to begin as those who are allergic to them need to be extremely careful. Despite being packed full of nutrition, sadly the big drawback to nuts is they’re one of the most prevalent food allergens. All types of nuts including walnuts, hazelnuts and Brazil nuts can be allergenic, while even peanuts, cashews and almonds (which are technically legumes) are also capable of causing sickness. The proteins found in nuts can trigger allergic reactions, ranging from hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. So if you’re serving food for guests, check whether there are any nuts and make each person attending aware, just in case any of them have an allergy. Dairy Products Dairy products are used in many of our everyday foods, so for those who are lactose intolerant, this can create a minefield. This allergy means anything with milk – cheese, ice cream, yoghurt and many sweet treats – is off limits. Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose, which is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body has insufficient levels of this enzyme, which means the lactose cannot be properly digested in the small intestine. Although lactose intolerance rarely poses the level of risk that foods like nuts do, for those allergic to dairy, failure to abstain may trigger a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including digestive discomfort, bloating and diarrhoea. Shellfish The term ‘shellfish’ describes a broad spectrum of crustaceans like shrimp, crab, clams, oysters and mussels. While many people love the taste of these nutritious sea creatures, others are forced to avoid these delicacies as they can prove to be a potent allergen. The proteins in shellfish can create allergic reactions in some people and the symptoms can range from mild itching to more serious breathing difficulties. If any of your guests are unfortunate enough to have an allergy then you’ll need to make sure they’re made aware of any recipes that contain shellfish. Thankfully, identifying shellfish is usually much more straightforward than other foods such as nuts. Soy Amid the rise of plant-based foods and more people trying out vegetarian and vegan diets, soy is an ingredient that’s becoming more and more popular. But while most of those who consume soy can do so without any noticeable reaction, a small minority may experience reactions. Soy is made from the soybean, which is nutritious and packed full of protein. However, it’s some of these protein compounds that can cause reactions in some who consume them. Like other allergens on this list, reactions to soy include skin rashes, digestive complaints and breathing difficulties. So be sure to check whether any of your food contains soy, especially if you have any meat substitutes as these tend to contain high amounts of the plant material. Eggs Eggs are another nutritional powerhouse that make their way into many of our most popular recipes and dishes. Sadly, they’re also among the most common food allergens and the proteins in the white and yolk can provoke a reaction in some. Although the exact cause of egg allergies is unknown, it’s believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at play. Individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop allergic reactions. Depending on the level of sensitivity, symptoms can range from the mild, such as hives or digestive discomfort, to more severe reactions, including respiratory issues or anaphylaxis. Eggless Baking As we’ve learned, egg allergies can result in sickness for those who have an allergy and accidentally consume them. This explains why egg-free baking is proving to be a serious game-changer. Egg allergies are relatively common and, for those affected, consuming even a minute amount of egg can lead to some severe reactions. By completely removing eggs from recipes, people with allergies don't need to worry about their little indulgence causing them any discomfort or even a potential medical emergency! Here at Cake Inn, we specialise in eggless baking, creating a wide variety of sweet treats that eschew the use of eggs. So if you have any guests at your party with an egg allergy then get in touch as we can create some of the most indulgent cakes and sweet treats imaginable! Eggless Baking Benefits Although eggless baking allows those with an allergy to eat their favourite sweet treats, this culinary ingenuity is about more than just inclusivity. Here are some additional benefits: Flavour Varieties From classic vanilla and chocolate to exotic fruit and cheesecake, eggless cakes and desserts come in an array of delicious flavours and varieties, so you’re sure to find something to suit all preferences! Moist and Tender Texture Skilled bakers have mastered the art of eggless baking, ensuring all of our desserts are as moist, tender and decadent as their egg-based counterparts! Religious Compliance Some cultures and religions avoid eggs as they’re forbidden. So if any of your guests happen to practise any of these religions then the presence of eggs will mean they can’t enjoy your food. By opting for eggless, this means people of all faiths can indulge in your sweet treats, ensuring your menu is as inclusive as possible. Ethical Some types of eggs are still produced by battery or barn hens which have an extremely poor quality of life . What’s worrying is cake recipes often contain these cheap eggs to help the manufacturer save on costs. If you’re concerned about animal welfare, you can relax safe in the knowledge no unethical eggs were used to create your egg-free cake ! Customisation Just like traditional desserts, eggless baked goods can be customised to suit the theme and style of your party. We create wedding cakes, birthday cakes, kids’ cakes and more. Or if you want something bespoke, we can also create something custom-made too. So that covers five of the most serious food allergies. In truth, many of us don’t think about food allergies, but if you were unaware of the seriousness then hopefully this has educated you a little. If you’re throwing a party, allergies are a serious concern that you’ll need to prepare for. Start by asking all of your guests whether they have any food allergies, which should help you choose an inclusive menu that suits all your guests. If any of your guests happen to be allergic to eggs you know what to do – get in touch and tell us what you need and let us do the rest! And even if none of your guests are allergic to eggs, you can still try some eggless baking as it’s healthy, tastes great and provides an inclusive alternative to eggs!
