Embracing dietary diversity: a guide for homestays

As homestays, we open our doors to students from all over the world, and that means embracing a rich tapestry of cultures and dietary needs. This blog post tackles how to navigate cooking for students with special diets like lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, Halal requirements, and veganism. Fear not, these adjustments are often simpler than you think!

Understanding different dietary needs:

• Lactose Intolerance: This is the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms include bloating, gas, and cramps. Luckily, there are many lactose-free alternatives readily available in supermarkets.

• Gluten Intolerance: This is a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to serious health issues. Thankfully, there's a growing range of gluten-free options, whilst rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, meat do not contain gluten and can be included as a part of a gluten-free diet.

Most supermarkets stock a wide range of lactose-free and gluten-free products. Look for the designated sections or ask a staff member for assistance. We, as homestays, can also offer a small weekly supplement to help cover the additional cost of these specialized ingredients.

• Vegetarians and Vegans:  Vegetarians typically only do not eat meat, however, they do have milk, cheese, eggs, etc in their diet. Vegans do not consume any products that come from animals and that includes dairy and eggs too. 

• Understanding Halal: For Muslims, Halal refers to food and practices that adhere to Islamic law. This includes restrictions on certain types of meat (no pork) and the requirement for animals to be slaughtered in a specific way. Halal butchers are readily available in most areas, and many supermarkets offer a Halal section with pre-packaged meats. 

The school will establish whether students require Halal or no pork and advise homestays accordingly.

Why it matters:

Catering to different dietary needs is not generally too difficult as there are so many alternatives available. When it comes to Halal (or Kosher in Judaism), it shows respect for your student's cultural and religious beliefs, promoting a more inclusive and comfortable homestay experience. 

Remember, a little planning goes a long way! By embracing these dietary variations, you'll be opening your home to a wider range of students and creating a positive and memorable experience for everyone.

Swaps and substitutions for lactose and gluten intolerances:

• Pasta: Regular pasta can be easily swapped for gluten-free alternatives made from rice flour, corn flour, or lentils. Equally, rice and potatoes are a great meal substitute for pasta.

• Breakfast Cereals: There are numerous delicious gluten-free and vegan cereals available, often made with oats, corn, or rice. Look for options with a "gluten-free" or "vegan" label. 

• Bread: Gluten-free bread comes in various options like sliced bread for toast or burger buns. You can also offer alternatives like rice cakes or corn tortillas.

• Milk: Lactose-free milk (dairy or plant-based like oat, rice or soya milk) is a perfect substitute in cereal, smoothies, or tea/coffee.

Finding Ingredients: Easier Than You Think!

Supermarkets in the UK stock a wide range of specialty items these days. Here's a quick guide:

• Lactose-Free: Look for lactose-free milk, cheese alternatives (almond, soya), and lactose-free yogurts.

• Gluten-Free: Many supermarkets have dedicated gluten-free aisles with alternatives like gluten-free pasta, bread, and flour blends.

• Halal: Look for the Halal symbol on packaged meats and pre-made meals. Halal butchers are also an option. Sainsbury's in town offers a reasonable Halal range and Perfecto shop (opposite Bath college) has a Halal butcher section. Remember that balanced vegetarian and vegan meals are suitable alternatives for those requiring Halal food.

• Vegan: A wide range of plant-based milks, cheeses, meat alternatives (like tofu, lentils), and pre-made vegan meals are readily available.

Top Tip: When shopping, let your student guide you! They might have favourite brands or hidden gems they can introduce you to.

Making meals inclusive: simple swaps for big smiles

Here's how you can adapt some typical meals to cater to different dietary needs:

Regular pasta meal: Spaghetti bolognese with cheese.

• Lactose-free: Swap regular cheese for lactose-free parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta options like rice or lentil noodles. Sauces are usually fine, but double-check ingredients.

• Vegan: Replace meat bolognese with a lentil or bean-based sauce. Top with vegan cheese or chopped nuts for extra texture.

Breakfast alternatives:

• Regular: Cereal with milk and toast.

• Lactose-free: Use lactose-free milk or plant-based alternatives with cereal. For toast, offer gluten-free options if needed.

• Gluten-free: Serve a variety of gluten-free options like porridge with fruit and nuts, rice cakes with nut butter and sliced banana, yoghurt with fruit or a breakfast frittata with vegetables. 

• Vegan: Many cereals are naturally vegan, check labels. Alternatively, offer homemade oatmeal with plant-based milk, fruit, and seeds for a protein boost. Vegan yogurt with granola is another option.

• Other pasta meals: A classic tomato pasta sauce can be easily made with lactose-free cheese and served with gluten-free pasta and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Breakfast: Offer a selection of gluten-free cereals, lactose-free yogurt with fruit, or make gluten-free pancakes with fruit compote.

• Snacks: Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds - naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly!

Remember: These are just a few ideas! Get creative and explore the vast world of international and vegetarian cuisine. Many delicious dishes are naturally gluten-free, vegan, or adaptable to lactose intolerance.

Bonus tip: Involve your student in the kitchen! Let them help you prepare meals or teach you a dish from their home country under an adult supervision, of course, if they are juniors. It's a fantastic way to build cultural understanding and create lasting memories.

By offering these options, you're showing your students with special dietary needs that you care about their well-being and want them to feel included during their homestay experience. We provide the weekly supplement for lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, vegan diet and Halal dietary request and it helps cover the cost of these specialty ingredients, which are often just slightly more expensive.

We hope this blog post empowers you to embrace dietary diversity in your homestay! Remember, a little planning goes a long way in creating a warm and inclusive environment for all your students.

If you feel you are now able to help with any of the special dietary requirements, please let us know.

Languages United pays a weekly supplement for Vegan, Halal, Gluten Free and Lactose Free dietary requirements.