5 Tips for Eating Out With Food Allergies

Eating out is one of the toughest parts of having food allergies; you have to be constantly alert, know what you're eating, and double-check everything. While eating out with food allergies can be cumbersome and occasionally distressing, there are ways to make it significantly more enjoyable.

Disclaimer: These tips are intended for general preparation, and since each individual's circumstances vary, take them with your experience and allergens in mind.

1. Always Bring Epinephrine

This is by far the most important thing to do when eating out. No matter what kind of food allergy medication you have (EpiPen, Neffy, Auvi-Q, etc.), it is vital to bring it when eating out, even if you've been to the restaurant a million times before. You never know when a recipe changes. Having medication doesn't just provide peace of mind; in the event of an allergic reaction, epinephrine is a life-saver.

2. Know Your Food

Most restaurants have their menus available online. Take advantage of this! Before going out to eat, look over the establishment's menu to see what is and is not safe to eat. Note that you should look over the entire menu (not just what you want to eat) to see which allergens are present in the kitchen. Also, look for an allergen guide on the menu to make this process easier (here's a guide from Just Allergy Things with allergen info for popular restaurant chains). Doing this makes the ordering process at the restaurant smoother by reducing on-the-spot pressure to order and safer by having background knowledge of what is served.

3. Inform the Staff

Informing restaurant staff of your allergens ensures they are aware of your condition. This helps them create a safe environment on their end by exercising heightened caution in food preparation and handling, cross-contamination, etc. This should be the very first thing you tell your server, as it helps them guide you on what to order. Make sure to list all allergens and their severity, as well as the importance of avoiding cross-contact.

4. Check Your Food

No matter how many times the staff may be informed, mistakes happen. On the off chance one does, it's always helpful to double-check your meal to make sure it is free of major allergens if the allergen is visible. For example, let's say a person with a tree nut allergy orders a pasta dish. The dish usually contains walnuts, but he ordered it without them. His dish arrives. He examines his dish closely and sees tiny walnut fragments scattered along the rim of the plate. He calls the server and sends his food back. By being proactive and always double-checking, you can gain some peace of mind.

5. Consider Reading Food Allergy-Related Reviews

If possible, this step can improve your dining experience. Reading allergy reviews allows you to assess your options before going out. It draws on others' experiences to improve your own. These reviews provide insight into any particular restaurant's allergy policies, menu items, flexibility, and other factors that are impactful when dining with accommodations.

If you're interested in learning more about ways to stay safe while eating out with food allergies, consider reading this alternate guide from Just Allergy Things.