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Birthday parties and other social gatherings can be very difficult if your child has allergies and intolerances. Firstly, it can be tricky with mobile toddlers, as even if you take your own food, they can pick up bits that the other children have dropped. As they get older they can feel a bit left out if they always have to eat their own dairy-free party food from home, so it's very kind and considerate if the host can provide something that they can share too. Even if you only provide one or two things so that your guest on a special diet can be included, they will be delighted (or the parents will be!).
On the other hand, it can also be tricky to host a party if your child has food allergies. It's nice if the birthday girl or boy can eat whatever they like at their own party. It's a real birthday treat for them to be able to relax around food for once! However, you need to provide food for all the guests, but they might not want to eat 'free-from' foods. Plus, you might not want to fork out the extra cost of buying special food for a party of 30 children!
Allergen-free rice crispie cakes (no dairy, soya, egg or gluten)
Dairy Free Party Food
Today, I have for you some suggestions of 'naturally' allergy-friendly foods. These foods avoid dairy, gluten, soya and egg, and so should be suitable for most - although of course it is possible to be allergic to anything. Obviously, check with the parents that these are ok for the individual child. If the allergies are very severe or for children with multiple allergies, the parents may be more comfortable bringing their own food from home, so don't be offended if they decline your offer. I've focused on simple, finger foods with no unusual ingredients, that should appeal to all the guests at the party. I've also indicated whether these foods are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Another simple tip is to serve the food on plain paper plates, and write around the edge of the plate what allergens are in the food.
Remember to check ingredients carefully on any shop bought food, as some brands do contain allergens.
Savoury Items
| Dairy
free |
Gluten
free |
Soya
free |
Egg
free |
Vegetarian | Vegan | |
| Mini Baked Omelette | Y | Y | Y | N | (Y) | N |
| Raw Vegetable Crudites | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Houmous | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Guacamole | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Salsa | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Cocktail Sausages | Y | ? | Y | Y | N | N |
| Chicken Drumsticks | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Olives (pitted) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Meatballs | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Hardboiled eggs | Y | Y | Y | N | Y | N |
| Sweet potato wedges | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Mini burgers | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
| Cherry tomatoes | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Prawns | Y | Y | Y | Y | N | N |
Note: mini baked omelettes can be vegetarian depending on what fillings you use. Some brands of cocktail sausages you cook yourself are gluten free.
Allergy friendly gingerbread men for a halloween party
Sweet Items
| Dairy
free |
Gluten
free |
Soya
free |
Egg
free |
Vegetarian | Vegan | |
| Fruit skewers/fruit salad | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Dairy & gluten free rice crispie cakes | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Bliss balls | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Gingerbread Men | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Cake Balls | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Melon slices | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Popcorn (no butter) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Jelly | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| Party Rings | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
| Oreos | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y |
In addition to these, Creative Nature Brownie Mix is a staple in my kitchen cupboard. It's top-14 free and really easy to make, and is a total crowd-pleaser. We've served it at many of our own parties as well as taking it to share at other people's gatherings. Use code MYALLERGYKITCHEN10 to get 10% off your order!
What other allergy-friendly party foods would you serve? Leave a comment below!
Chef Steph
This is such a helpful guide for parents navigating food allergies at parties! I love how you've included naturally allergy-friendly options instead of just relying on substitutes.
One trick I've found useful is creating a themed ‘build-your-own’ snack station with safe ingredients—kids love the creativity, and it ensures everyone can enjoy something worry-free. Have you ever tried something similar? Your insights on making parties inclusive are invaluable!