Food = Love…But What if the Food Isn’t Safe? Keeping Traditions Alive Without Leaving Anyone Out!

Food = Love...But What If the Food Isn't Safe?

Keeping Traditions Alive Without Leaving Anyone Out

by Nicole DellaSantina, MPH, Vice President of Public Health

Food is so much more than what’s on the plate, especially during the holidays. It’s the smell of your grandmother’s kitchen, the sound of laughter around the table as you share stories, and the special feeling you get when you pass down a special recipe. Food connects families and cultures, especially during the holidays, because for many it’s how we celebrate, comfort, and care for one another.

But for families managing food allergies, that same love language can sometimes bring stress or fear. What happens when a dish that’s part of your family’s story isn’t safe to eat? How do you honor tradition while protecting your loved ones? It’s a delicate balance, but with a little creativity and communication, it is possible to preserve your family’s favorite traditions while making sure everyone can participate safely.

Traditions Matter and So Does Safety

For many families, holiday meals are woven with meaning. The recipes handed down through generations tell stories of resilience, faith, and love. Food allergies can complicate those stories, but they don’t have to end them. Preserving tradition doesn’t have to mean cooking exactly as our grandparents did. Instead, you can keep the heart of those recipes alive while adapting them to today’s realities. Food-allergy safety isn’t about changing who we are; it’s more about finding ways to stay connected, together, and safe.

Bridging Cultures and Keeping the Flavor

Here are a few ways to keep your favorite foods—and the love behind them—on the table.

• Simple Swaps, Same Spirit: Try ingredient swaps that honor the essence of a dish. Rice milk in place of dairy, sunflower butter instead of peanut butter, or egg replacers in baked goods can often make a family recipe safe without sacrificing tradition.
• Ask the Question: When gathering with friends or extended family, start by asking “What can we do to make this meal safe for everyone?” Most people want to help, they just need a little guidance.
• Share Safe, Cultural Recipes: Explore allergy-friendly adaptations of classic dishes from around the world. Whether it is tamales made with allergy-safe fillings, nut-free latke, or dairy-free lasagna, you can make small adjustments while preserving the integrity of the traditional dish.

Tips For Hosts and Guests During the Holidays

Celebrations work best when everyone feels seen and cared for. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

• If You’re Hosting:
  • Ask guests about allergies ahead of time.
  • Label foods clearly and keep utensils separate.
  • Prepare or purchase at least one dish that’s guaranteed safe. It’s a small gesture that means a lot.
    
    
• If You’re a Guest with Food Allergies:
  • Let your host know your needs early and offer ideas on safe substitutions.
  • Bring a dish to share—it gives you peace of mind and helps others see how easy safe cooking can be.
  • Express gratitude. When people take extra steps for food allergy safety, your thankfulness encourages them to continue doing it.

For more tips on making celebrations safer and more joyful for everyone, visit FAACT's Holiday Tips for Celebrating Safely webpage or tune in to FAACT’s Roundtable Podcast Episode 221: Making Spirits Bright with Food Allergy Friendly Traditions.

Love Shared Is Love Multiplied

Food may be a form of love, but when that love is shared safely, it becomes something even bigger. It evolves into belonging, connection, and care. Every time we adapt a recipe or make room for someone’s needs, we keep our family stories alive and invite others to share in them. So go ahead! Celebrate your heritage, honor your family recipes, and fill your table with food that says, “You matter here.” Because love tastes best when everyone around the table can enjoy it.