1 in 3 Guests Have Dietary Preferences
You know that moment when you're planning a get-together and realize almost every guest has a food or drink preference?
One’s low-carb. Another’s vegetarian. Someone’s gluten-free. And a few guests are skipping alcohol or looking for lighter drink options.
Welcome to modern hosting, where “just pizza and chips” doesn’t really cut it anymore.
It’s Not About Being Difficult. It’s About Feeling Good.
At first, it feels like a headache. (What am I supposed to serve, air?) But when you really think about it, it’s not people being picky.
It’s about wanting to enjoy the night—and still feel good the next morning.
No one wants to leave your house bloated, regretful, or secretly undoing three weeks of mindful choices because the snack table didn’t have options.
And hey, times have changed.
The Stats Don’t Lie
- 1 in 3 U.S. adults have a dietary preference or restriction. (Source: Food Insight, 2023)
- Nearly 20% avoid gluten for health reasons, whether or not they have celiac disease. (Johns Hopkins)
- 40% of U.S. adults say they’re drinking less alcohol than they did a year ago. (Source: Gallup, 2023)
Bottom line? People want to participate and make mindful choices that feel good for their body.
Your No-Stress Hosting Plan
Here’s how to pull it off without losing your mind:
Snacks That Cover Your Bases
Your snack table doesn’t have to rival a Michelin tasting menu. The goal?
Tasty, flexible, and not a ton of work.
Try:
- Something savory & bold — think spicy nuts, a smoky snack mix, or even a simple cheese plate. (Pro tip: Pete’s Buffalo Ranch or BBQ Mixed Nuts are easy crowd-pleasers.)
- Something sweet (but not sugar-bomb sweet) — trail mix, dried fruit, or cinnamon-spiced nuts.
- Something “safe” — plain salted nuts, rice crackers, or popcorn for the picky eaters.
A little color goes a long way. Add bright dried cranberries, green edamame or pumpkin seeds, or even a few fresh grapes so the snack board doesn’t look like it was curated in the beige section of the grocery store.
See? We told you hosting could still be fun.
Drinks That Please Everyone
No need for a fully stocked bar or complicated cocktails. Just offer a few easy choices:
- Sparkling water (flavored and plain)
- A couple bottles of wine—one red, one white
- Light beer or a simple cider
- Mocktails or THC seltzers for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options or want to try something new (Randall’s in St. Louis carries a great selection. Link.)
Keep it simple and let guests pour what they like. That way, you can spend less time bartending and more time enjoying the party.
Create a Simple Experience
You don’t need to hand-craft mini tartlets or fold napkins into swans. Just give guests some choices and they’ll happily entertain themselves.
Build-Your-Own Grain Bowls
A great option if you want to share the hosting duties (and not do all the prep yourself).
Start with a base like rice or quinoa and have each guest bring a topping:
- A protein (grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted chickpeas)
- Veggies (roasted or fresh)
- Crunchy toppings like seeds or nuts
- A couple easy sauces (vinaigrette, tahini, or salsa)
It’s easy, interactive, and guests control what they eat.
Plus, people love contributing and it takes the pressure off you.
Taco Night
Corn tortillas + seasoned meat (or black beans) + chopped veggies = effortless hosting magic.
Snack Board
Grab a few bowls. Fill with nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and whatever else looks appealing at the store. Fancy? No. Crowd-pleasing? Always.
Your Pete’s Snack Shop mixed nuts fit right in. Just saying.
Be Trash-Conscious (Without Overthinking It)
- Paper plates: Look for recyclable or compostable options (many are recyclable—just check your local guidelines).
- To-go containers: Pick up an inexpensive stack. It prevents food waste and lets guests enjoy leftovers without the pressure to eat it all at once.
(Bonus: leftovers = extending the good vibes.)
Hosting Has Evolved (and That’s a Good Thing)
Today’s gatherings are about connection, experience, and helping everyone feel good—not just during the party, but after.
Simple. Flexible. Thoughtful.
And maybe a little cheeky.
Because when you serve snacks that work for everyone and taste amazing, you deserve to take a little credit.