Advice on food accommodations for guest?

Does every dish have gluten? We had 2 diff salads and fruit that were technically gluten free at our shower.

@Sam It’s a taco truck caterer, and they’ll only be serving tacos. The owner said that the premade seasoning they use on all their meat contains gluten ingredients. Also since it’s street style tacos, they use the same cooking tools and cook all of their food on the same grill so they said there’s a possibility of food contamination.

Most people with food issues are prepared to not be able to eat anything at an event like that. It can be annoying, but unless it's someone you're super close with I doubt they expect it. Most of my friends and family have one issue or another and they never expect it at a party.

For one person, it's not a big deal to have to figure something else out for them. You're inviting them to your party so why wouldn't you offer? You could say, "hey, I checked with the caterer and unfortunately they don't have a gluten free option. I appreciate you letting us know in advance. To try to accommodate you, do you know of a restaurant that does in the area and what dish you would like from there? If not, could you bring something with you to the party so you can enjoy the special day with us? We want you to enjoy your time too and feel included."

I think it's fine not to accommodate, but since it's only one person I think it would be generous of you to UberEats a meal for them to eat at the event so they are not hungry and have to watch everyone else eat. Maybe the bakery has something savory they could send over with your dessert order.

I would warn that person that there won’t be gluten free available at the taco truck. I would definitely offer a salad or something. But so long as they know about not being able to eat it should be ok they might bring their own food or just opt to have desserts. But if you don’t warn them they might be expecting to be able to eat something.

I like Royas suggestion. My daughter has Celiac disease.. we usually don't trust when others try to do gluten free for her. Cross contamination is sooo easy to do on accident

I would at minimum reach out ahead of time & let them know you can't accommodate their allergy. Most people with allergies & preferences are used to bringing something for themselves or eating before.

Thank you everyone for your input! I do agree that it’s my responsibility to reach out and try to accommodate her since I am the one inviting, and I’d want them to be comfortable and feel included, so I will be reaching out to her. My family always hosts gatherings and they never really accommodate her needs, but I’ve noticed that she usually won’t eat, or she’ll bring her own food and I feel really bad, so I’d hate to not accommodate her at my baby shower.

It’s not a big deal. Usually people with with food issues eat before the event because they know the chances of there being food for them is slim

I think it’s rude tbh - she isn’t just gluten free by choice she’s intolerant?! She isn’t choosing not to eat that food it will make her poorly/in pain etc I think if it was a choice that’s different but nah I think it’s mean to do that - and I’d tell them in advance (and I sure as hell wouldn’t be attending)

You just have to order some gluten free take out from another restaurant. It’s not a big deal to accommodate them. We had someone dairy free at ours and we did that. Of course you accommodate if they have told you in advance!