To believe that people should stop expecting special treatment for “food preferences” (not allergies) at events?

[TheCoralReader]

If it’s just a preference, it’s on you to manage. AIBU to think events shouldn’t have to cater to everyone’s diet choices?

Well that's not very fair I mean there are always options for good so for eg if you are a meat eater would you be happy if everything was plant based?

They don’t have to.

If you choose not to cater to people’s religious or ethical preferences, that’s up to you.

Options for food

Preference or belief?

I’m a veggie and I don’t expect to be catered for wherever I go but I think if everything was veggie at an event there would be uproar about there being no meat…

Sigh

Yes as a preference could be liking steak. A belief could be vegetarian, vegan, halal etc

Really? I'm sure people can cope without meat for one meal

Rule of thumb......

• 1/3 vegan
• 1/3 vegetarian
• 1/3 carnivore

Unless there's a chance that there might be a majority of vegans, vegetarians, non-pork eaters, etc

My work has gone vegan only. What it means is that all the food is quite spiced to give flavour and contains soya (a major allergen). It's caused issues when inviting external guests in who have found the food pretty vile, it's not the best way to impress!

That’s fine, as long as there’s enough inoffensive / bland / plain food that everyone can find something to eat, even if it’s not what they would choose.

What types of event?
Weddings? Dinner Party? 40th Birthday Party?
A good host should make sure their guests can eat the food provided. If you want certain people to be there then yes - you should cater to preferences.

My work tried vegetarian for one offsite because environmental concerns link to our ethos. My God, the complaints were insane.

YANBU but also YABU for not providing more context. I recently had to cater a lunch for over 100 (bought in, not home made!) and we asked for dietary requirements beforehand. The list of replies (preferences) was hilarious. Now, I'm a very fussy eater, but I never reply to similar requests to say so, because I think it's on me. But we had requests for such specifics, I just had to ignore them all 😀.

We did veggie, vegan, gluten free, pointed the non-dairy at the vegan and that was it.

Same with mine! I don’t understand why people get so upset over not having access to a flaccid piece of ultra-processed meat at a conference

Veggie fine but I agree vegan can cause stomach issues if too many substitutes are used. Plus quorn allergy can be quite serious. Best to stick to using actual vegetables

I think the question is too vague - there's a difference between a private party (and that includes weddings) and a corporate event that (for example) employees are expected or encouraged to attend. In the first case you can do what you (and any other co-hosts want), although it'd probably be good to consider your guests because you want them to be comfortable and have a good time.

There's also probably a difference between "I don't like bacon" and "I don't eat meat". In some cases, you may not know whether a specific food requirement IS "only" a preference or if it's driven by medical requirements, religion, etc.

I hope that was bought up in their annual reviews. They're clearly not suited for the brand.

It's always ham or salami isn't it. Just a flappy bit of meat

considering only a few percentage of people are stupid enough to consider being vegan is healthy that would be ridiculous.

I’d normally cater for allergies and have a veggie and normal protein option and a couple of salads. Then ask others to bring stuff to compliment the rest.

I'm ridiculously fussy, if there's a buffet on I know I'll have to eat something else when I get home because there will only be a couple of things I'll eat, I get a bit stressed when invited out to eat because I know there's a chance I won't like anything on the menu. I'd never dream of making people adjust their catering choices for me though, it's my problem

I get what you’re saying, but I think there’s a difference between catering for dietary restrictions (like allergies or strict dietary requirements) and personal preferences. If I’m at an event, I wouldn’t expect the menu to revolve around my individual likes or dislikes. It’s more about everyone being flexible within reason, rather than expecting special treatment just for preferences.

I find a lot of vegan food quite repulsive. I don’t need meat and I’m happy with tofu. I don’t want quorn, veggie sausage, beyond meat or vegan egg etc. I want to eat food that aren’t lab grown. Happy with veggie if it’s beans, grains and veg.

It's more than about brand. It directly links to the role of the organisation.

Vegan food is vegetables, beans and pulses.