Our easy-to-follow guide about food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances.

We know it can be difficult to please everyone when it comes to hosting a dinner party, barbecue or even a children’s birthday celebration. When you add in health issues and requirements around food, it can become a host’s worst nightmare! Our easy-to-follow guide will help guide you with your meal planning, so that all you need to worry about is what to wear.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an unpleasant or dangerous immune system reaction after a certain food is eaten. In Australia, 1.2% of adults, 4-8% of children under the age of five and 10% under the age of 10 years have a food allergy. While many food allergies do disappear over time as children grow, it’s important to be careful when dining out or at friends’ houses when you do have a food allergy.
If one of your guests have a food allergy it’s important you know of this ahead of time, as cross-contamination (whereby you use a spoon in one dish and then in another).

The most common allergies

There’s more than 170 foods that are known to trigger a severe allergic reaction, so always check ahead of time. And just eight foods account for 90 percent of allergic reactions: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, and soybeans.
For some simple recipes that’ll please everyone, take a look here for some inspiration.

What is a food sensitivity?

While food sensitivities are not life-threatening, they can still cause discomfort. This is because a food sensitivity can cause gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, cramping and/or nausea.
If your guest(s) tell you they have a food sensitivity, don’t worry. Our snacks ensure you’ll always have something to offer your guests. You can still enjoy a hot drink with a biscuit – try our indulgence range or a cookie from the LEDA bakery. And don’t forget you can use many of our products as part of a dessert or cake. Take a look at some delicious recipes here.

What is a food intolerance?

Food intolerances are quite common and occur when your body can’t properly break down a food, or ingredient, or your body reacts to a certain food. The most commonly known intolerance is a lactose intolerance, where a person’s body can’t break down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.

With Leda, you’ll always have a place at the table, with our wide range of delicious, free-from snacks guaranteed to keep you and your guests happy.
 
Note: If you or someone is experiencing food allergy symptoms it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.