Dietary Requirements Calculator

In the UK, about 14% of adults follow some meat-free diet (vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian), of whom roughly 6-7% are strictly vegetarian and about 3% vegan (Finder/Vegan Society, end 2025). Around 10% of consumers buy gluten-free and about 6% of adults have a confirmed food allergy, of which tree-nut allergy affects roughly 2% (Coeliac UK; FSA/Allergy UK). The default 14% vegetarian figure deliberately counts everyone who needs a vegetarian-suitable meal, since vegans and pescatarians are happy with the same option. These groups overlap, so a single vegan gluten-free dish covers several requirements at once.

Always. The calculator provides estimates using UK averages, but you should collect actual requirements from your guest list via RSVP cards or a group message. Some requirements like severe allergies are safety-critical and must be confirmed directly.

Add a 10% buffer across all categories. For special dietary meals, round up generously - it is better to have one spare vegan meal than to leave someone without food. Leftover special meals can usually be enjoyed by anyone.

Many requirements overlap. A vegan gluten-free meal satisfies vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free requirements simultaneously. Plan your most restrictive options first (vegan + GF) and work outwards. This reduces the total number of different meal types needed.