Just in time for Afternoon Tea week 13th – 20th August, Just Love Food have some great products and some wise advice if you’re hosting your own tea party with a mix of guests. Why make things awkward when you can provide dietary options for everyone and avoid embarrassment? The founder of Just Love Food – Danika Williams knows from experience, when she was given a severe allergy diagnosis when she was four. This led her to set up her company which provides gluten-free, vegan and allergy-safe cakes for all occasions.

We tried the Vegan Chocolate Cake which was seriously moreish and tasted as good if not better than a regular dairy one!

To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week, Danika shares her top tips for hosting an inclusive afternoon tea this summer.

1. Communicate clearly with guests: it only takes a minute to drop a note to your guests to confirm their dietary needs in advance, and then to discuss any concerns they may have. Eating out can be very stressful for allergy sufferers and by clarifying their needs and listening to their concerns, you can ensure they feel confident you will be taking the right steps to ensure their safety.

2. Offer a variety of inclusive options: Plan a menu that accommodates a range of allergies, dietary needs and choices. Include options that are free from common allergens such as nuts, milk and egg, a gluten free choice and a vegan option.  Be aware that many vegan brands are not actually safe for milk and egg allergy sufferers, so do check packaging.    Just Love Indulgent Chocolate Cake or Confetti Traybake have no nuts, no milk and no egg so are allergy safe AND Vegan friendly.

3. Prepare and serve your treats safely:  Be mindful of cross-contamination by using separate utensils, cutting boards, and preparation areas for allergen-free dishes. Help your guests make safe and informed food choices by labelling each item clearly, indicating if it’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, etc.  (Just Love Cakes all have a handy cut out allergen label on the base of the box which you can display next to their cakes).

4. Normalise inclusive food: Allergen-free, gluten free and vegan dishes have come a long way. Gone are the days of flavourless and dry substitutes. With a rise in allergies, gluten intolerance and the increase in demand for vegan options, there are a variety of brilliant brands who provide delicious options that everyone can enjoy. Why buy two cakes, sandwiches, or pastries when you can have one that caters for all?

The Chocolate cake comes with its own friendly label so you don’t have to mess around making your own, they really have thought of everything. Cakes are stocked in leading retailers nationwide at an RRP from £6.

Website: www.justlovefoodcompany.com

Images courtesy of Just Food Company