How to adapt recipes for allergies

Safe swaps without losing flavor

Identify the allergen and choose a functional substitute: use seeded or gluten-free bread for wheat allergy, plant-based spreads for egg allergy, and nut-free seed butters for nut allergies. Always read labels and prevent cross-contact during prep.

Common substitutions:

  • Dairy: vegan cheeses or hummus for creaminess.
  • Eggs: mashed avocado or aquafaba-based spreads.
  • Nuts: toasted seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for crunch.
  • Gluten: certified gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.

Preparation practices:

  • Use separate utensils and cutting boards to avoid cross-contact.
  • Label any make-ahead items clearly with allergen notes.

With thoughtful swaps and clean preparation, most sandwich recipes can be adapted safely without sacrificing taste.