Ideas For Serving Your Lacto-Vegetarian Guests

Mohammed Rizwan • October 30, 2023

So you’re throwing a party or you’re having guests round for dinner, and one of them tells you they’re a lacto-vegetarian. Not wanting to sound ignorant or foolish, you coyly nod your head and say you’ll make sure there’s plenty of food options, to which they seem extremely grateful.


But now it’s time to come up with the goods and you’re not sure what to offer them! The good news is lacto-vegetarian simply means your guests don’t eat meat, fish or eggs. The bad news is this potentially rules out plenty of the stuff you'd usually serve!


Fear not, as we’re on hand to offer some tips and advice for anyone looking to serve food for lacto-vegetarians at a party or get-together party. 


Appetisers


To fire up your guests’ taste buds, it’s always a good idea to serve up some appetisers or starters. But with age-old classics like the prawn cocktail off the menu, what could you serve this time?


Many vegetarians enjoy mushrooms, so why not stuff some with feta cheese and serve as a starter? Vegetable spring rolls are also sure to go down a treat, as is bruschetta with diced tomatoes. All of these cater to lacto-vegetarians and make for delicious appetisers for all guests.


Main Course


When you come to serving your main course, this is where it can get a little tricky. Although you want to ensure your lacto-vegetarian guests feel included, you don’t want to
alienate other guests who may expect meat or fish. For this reason, you may wish to serve different options. 


However, if you’re only able (or willing) to serve one course, there are some options that should suit all guests. A nut roast,  which uses a blend of roasted nuts, vegetables and seasonings, makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Likewise, stuffed peppers or mushrooms filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables and herbs, can offer a satisfying option. 


The options are practically endless. The trick is to provide something that appeals to all.


Salad


Salads go down well at all parties so if you’re serving for vegetarians don’t forget to include one. A vibrant mixed greens salad with a zingy dressing is a staple that complements a variety of dishes. 


Dairy Delights


As your lacto-vegetarian guests can eat dairy products, you don't need to pull these from your menu. Which is great news as there are many month-watering items you can include!


These include, among many others, a cheese board, pizza and a range of scrumptious desserts. Just make sure those desserts don’t contain any eggs as these will go against your lacto-vegetarian guests’ dietary choices


Side Dishes


The side dishes you choose can make quite a big difference to the overall experience your guests have as they can add depth and variety to your menu. 


For side dishes that appeal to all, choose roasted or mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or buttered corn on the cob. Get creative with your seasonings by adding different spices, seasonings and sauces.


Eggless Desserts


Now for the most important part of any meal – the dessert! If you're looking for a sweet treat that caters to your lacto-vegetarian guests then look no further than
eggless cakes


These delightful cakes are perfect for those who may have dietary restrictions or preferences as they compromise on none of the delectable deliciousness! Despite there being no eggs, this doesn’t affect the taste or texture as we use clever alternatives which are often healthier and come with a range of perks. 


You can choose from a wide variety of eggless cake options. So whether you're having a wedding and want to cater to all guests, or you’re just throwing a little dinner party and require a few treats for afters, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.


So those are a few ideas if you have lacto-vegetarian guests coming to your wedding, party or get-together. Although it might seem tricky as you can't serve meat, fish or eggs, as you can see there are still many options you can choose from. So with dairy, as well as eggless cakes, on the menu, your guests are guaranteed to be full and satisfied!


A fourth of july decoration with a cake and a calendar
By Mohammed Rizwan May 20, 2024
Eggless cakes can be great for any party, not least one that may be enjoyed with your UK-based American friends on a rather eventful July 4th this year.
A chocolate cake with a slice taken out of it
By Matthew Fahim May 13, 2024
Does your partner have a birthday coming up? Then chances are you’re looking for some gift ideas to make their special day one to remember. Here are some ideas.
A cake with orange slices and oats is being sliced on a wooden table.
By Matthew Fahim April 26, 2024
What is eggless baking (aside from the obvious) and how does it work? Here, we go over the process, the benefits and explain why more are now going eggless.
A cake with a cross and a bible on top of it.
By Matthew Fahim April 11, 2024
If you're organising a party, this can be a stressful time as you’ll want to ensure everything is just right for this important occasion. Here’s what you need.
A chocolate bunny surrounded by easter eggs and chocolate sauce on a table.
By Matthew Fahim March 18, 2024
Easter is synonymous with eggs but there are some scrumptious eggfree cakes and bakes to enjoy over the festive period. Here are just a few of our favourites.
A carrot cake with a slice taken out of it on a plate.
By Matthew Fahim February 29, 2024
If you or your guests are vegetarian and you want your party to be an inclusive affair for all, we’re on hand with some useful tips to find a vegetarian cake.
A bride and groom are cutting their wedding cake together.
By Matthew Fahim February 15, 2024
If you’ve spent any time shopping for a cake for a party or celebration, you may have come across some that are described as “naked”. Here’s what they are.
A bowl of eggs , a glass of milk , a bowl of cheese , and a bowl of cottage cheese.
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!
A person is pouring batter into a cake pan
By Mohammed Rizwan December 27, 2023
If you’re a vegetarian or you’re following a plant-based diet, you’ll know that purchasing cakes and other desserts can be a minefield. Here’s what to avoid.
A slice of carrot cake with blueberries on a plate with a fork.
By Mohammed Rizwan December 21, 2023
If you’re avoiding eggs for religious, ethical, health or allergy reasons, here are five clever substitutes that will help you bake something truly scrumptious!
More Posts