Dairy at a buffet: where it’s found
Dairy on a buffet refers to milk, butter, cream, or cheese that has been incorporated into dishes—often in sauces, dressings, bread, and desserts—rather than just in visible dairy products.
In short: Catering Compagnon lists the ingredients used in each dish. We prepare everything in a single kitchen that also handles dairy, gluten, and nuts. Buffets for groups of 30 or more.
A buffet features dishes where you’d expect dairy and dishes where you wouldn’t expect it. It’s the latter that causes problems for guests who prefer to avoid it. That’s why we provide information for each dish, including at our buffets.
Dairy products often play a supporting role at a buffet
Butter in a sauce, cream in mashed potatoes, cheese in a baked dish, milk in bread. These aren’t dishes with “dairy” in their names, but they do contain dairy.
Salad dressings are another source. A creamy dressing on a salad turns a plant-based dish into something that still contains dairy.
Desserts are the most obvious category, but that’s exactly what people are asking for. The dishes in the middle of the buffet are where the surprises lie.
What we can say about it
For each dish, we’ll tell you exactly which ingredients are used—not just in general terms. We’re able to do this because we source and prepare the food ourselves in our own kitchen.
You’ll receive that information in advance so you can share it with the guests it concerns. On the day of the event, you can ask our team the same question; we’ll be there and know what’s in the platters.
We do not label any dish as suitable for someone with an intolerance or allergy. We have a single kitchen where we also use dairy, gluten, and nuts. It is up to the guest to decide.
Dairy at a buffet and the plant-based options
By definition, vegan dishes do not contain dairy. So if you want to avoid dairy, this is a clear starting point. You can read more about this under the vegetarian buffet in Amsterdam.
That’s not vegetarian: in fact, it often contains cheese, cream, or eggs. These two are frequently confused in applications.
Therefore, when you submit your request, please specify separately how many guests are vegetarian and how many are vegan. That way, we can provide the appropriate portions.
Information to Include with Your Application
The total number of guests and their dietary preferences, including the number of guests for each preference. Also, list separately any specific information you need, such as dairy or gluten. The same approach applies to gluten-free meals, for example, for a gluten-free lunch at a venue in Amsterdam.
Not sure yet because registrations are still open? Please provide an estimate and let us know the final numbers as soon as you have them.
We provide buffet service for groups of 30 or more. Since we prepare the food ourselves, we can adjust the menu right up until the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which dishes are dairy products commonly used?
In sauces, purées, baked dishes, bread, and creamy dressings. These are dishes that don’t have “dairy” in their names.
Can you tell me if a dish is suitable for someone with a dairy intolerance?
No. We list the ingredients used in a dish. It is up to the guest to decide whether they can eat it.
Do you use dairy products in your kitchen?
Yes. We prepare everything in a single kitchen that also processes dairy, gluten, and nuts, among other ingredients.
Is vegetarian the same as dairy-free?
No. Vegetarian dishes often contain cheese, cream, or eggs. By definition, vegan dishes contain no dairy.
How do I include this information in my application?
Please specify the number of guests, any dietary restrictions along with the number of guests with those restrictions, and separately list the specific information you need, such as dairy or gluten.
Does your group in Amsterdam or the surrounding area have any dietary restrictions? Please contact us, and we’ll go over the ingredients in each dish and provide you with a customized quote.
