Throwing a kids’ party is all about fun, but a big part of the planning stress often revolves around one thing: the food. How do you find something that every kid will love, and most importantly, is safe for everyone?
Food allergies are becoming more and more common. Meaning, there’s a chance you have at least one guest who needs special consideration. The good news is, you can ditch the stress and still be the hero of the party. With these tips, you can serve a crowd-pleasing and safe meal.
Planning The Allergy-Friendly Sushi Platters
Sushi is a fantastic choice for most party catering, including kids’. Unlike cakes and cookies, its core ingredients are naturally free of the most common allergens like dairy. Traditional sushi relies on rice, seaweed, and fish. But, modern sushi creates variations with vegan/vegetarian fillings, making it edible for individuals with fish allergies.
Gluten-free Rolls and Gluten-free Options
Many of the most popular items, like tofu cucumber rolls, are gluten-free. Consider also platters with clear GF labels or GF-Option that can be customized for your guests with dietary needs. Be sure to ask for gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to go with your order if soy sauce is served.
Vegan Options
From flavourful plant-based maki rolls to delicious sides, a lot of fantastic vegan selections are made for platters. Kid-friendly options, like the avocado cucumber and beetroot salad rolls, are colourful and appealing to children.
Nut-Aware Options
While many sushi platters don’t contain nuts, you should always mention any severe allergies when placing an order. Making sure no cross-contact preparation will maximize the fun.
How Much Sushi per Kid? Age-based Portion
You might be wondering, “How much sushi should I get for a bunch of energetic kids?” Kids’ appetites vary. So, it will be helpful to portion sizes based on their ages. One single sushi roll is 25-30g, but you might find it easier to calculate based on pieces.
- Ages 3-5: A good portion is about 2-3 pieces of sushi per child. Little eaters have tiny tummies; they like exploring new food. You could also order a platter with smaller hand rolls or cut pieces.
- Ages 6-10: Plan for about 3-4 pieces per kid, with a few extra. At this age, kids are more adventurous and have bigger appetites.
- Ages 11-12+: They’re the big eaters! You might want to consider 4-5 pieces per child, especially if the platter is the main meal.
By knowing your guests and their age groups, you can ensure there’s enough for everyone without any food waste.
Related article: Hassle-Free and Fun: Planning Your Kid’s Birthday Party at Pika Sushi Traralgon
Tips for Serving Allergy-Safe Platters:
- Put clear labels
Mark gluten-free, vegan, or nut-aware items so kids can grab safely. - Mix selections
Bright, colourful rolls are visually appealing and encourage kids to try. - Serve sauces separately
Keep soy sauce and other condiments on the side to avoid accidental allergens. - Ask questions
Confirm with your caterer or sushi supplier about allergens and cross-contact policies.
Transform Your Party with Hassle-free Sushi Platters
Planning a party is stressful enough without the added worry of allergies. With these simple planning and portioning, sushi can be a safe and fun option. Whenever you’re ready to make your next party a delicious success, explore our sushi platters menu today!
