Summer is here, and with it, one of our favourite activities is back in full swing, now maybe more than ever: the BBQ!
But it turns out that hosting a barbecue is not as stress-free as one could imagine, especially if you have guests with different dietary requirements, such as being vegan, gluten-free or allergic to specific foods.
We recently commissioned a study of 2,000 people to find out more about typical BBQ etiquette and how Brits cater to guests that have adopted a more plant-based lifestyle. Turns out that 1 in 5 feel stressed when they find out that one of their guests is vegan or vegetarian. And 4 in 10 feel that as meat-eaters, they would struggle to know what to serve people who are not eating meat.
So in order to put the fun back into barbecuing and get you the ‘host of the year’ prize, we’ve teamed up with DJ BBQ, the best BBQ chef and fire specialist around to show you how to create the ultimate veggie BBQ.
Not So Special Arrangements
A quarter of the respondents have admitted that if they must make special catering arrangements for their BBQ guests, they will buy the cheapest veggie burgers and sausages. And a third believe, perhaps harshly, that vegetarians and vegans should just bring their own food if attending a “carnivore’s” barbie.
So, it’s no surprise that one in five of those who do have dietary requirements, such as an intolerance or following a vegan diet, feel the need to bring their own food and snacks at the BBQ and avoid making waves.
Classic Mix-Ups
Surprisingly, 30% of meat-free adults don’t mind if the person operating the grill uses the same tongs for meat and the things they’ll be eating. But 20% have had a falling out over the BBQ grill due to the way it was being used – with one respondent accidentally mixing up which sausages were meaty and meat-free. Another attended a cookout where the host wasn’t sure whether vegetarians ate fish or not.
DJ BBQ’s meat-free BBQ recipes
If you are stuck and not sure how to cater to everyone’s taste, DJ BBQ has created 3 delicious, mouth-watering recipes that you can try for your next BBQ. The twist: they are all veggie-friendly, using our Green Cuisine Meat-Free Sausages and Burgers. These recipes can easily be made vegan, by simply choosing some vegan substitutes.
Check out the recipes and DJ BBQ’s instructions, along with some top tips from the man himself:
TOP BBQ ETIQUETTE POINTERS ACCORDING TO BRITS
Us Brits have a proper etiquette for any situation, so our survey uncovered some dos and don’ts of attending a barbecue:
1. Do not drop litter and cigarettes in the garden
2. Always let the host know if you are going
3. Do not complain about the food or the options on offer
4. Arrive on time
5. You shouldn't bring any unexpected plus ones
6. You should wait until everyone has eaten before going for seconds
7. Only the host takes charge of the BBQ unless otherwise instructed
8. Do not share details on social media without the host's permission
9. Do not drink too much alcohol if no one else is
10. Guests should always bring drinks
Ready to take your BBQ game to the next level? Check out our range of Green Cuisine meat-free products and start grilling! Not only do they taste reaaaal good, they’re also nutritious, full of protein and low in saturated fat. Get more veggie-cooking inspiration from our tasty Green Cuisine recipes.