Catering for Dietary Needs: Vegan and Vegetarian Options
22 September 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, catering for dietary needs: vegan and vegetarian options is no longer a niche consideration — it’s a strategic priority. At UP Events, we believe that inclusive catering is key to creating memorable, impactful experiences for every guest, whether you’re organizing a team-building day, a product launch, or a school outing. Here’s how we’re leading the way in plant-based event catering, and why it matters more than ever.
Why Inclusive Catering Matters
The demand for vegan and vegetarian options at corporate events is skyrocketing across the Netherlands and Europe. Recent industry data shows that Dutch caterers are at the forefront of this shift, with ten major providers pledging to make 50% of their protein offerings plant-based by 2025 and 60% by 2030 — outpacing even the Dutch government’s ambitious targets. This isn’t just about following trends; it’s about fostering participation, boosting satisfaction, and enhancing your company’s reputation as a progressive, inclusive employer.
Key benefits of inclusive catering:
- Employees and guests with dietary restrictions feel valued and included, leading to higher morale and engagement.
- Diverse, high-quality options increase overall event satisfaction and positive feedback.
- Companies seen as progressive and inclusive attract top talent and foster loyalty.
The Dutch & European Plant-Based Revolution
The Netherlands leads Europe in per capita consumption of plant-based meat alternatives, and plant-based dairy is widely available. This cultural shift is reflected in the corporate catering sector, which is the largest revenue generator for vegan and vegetarian offerings. Many caterers, including us at UP Events, are innovating with “blended” products — mixing animal and plant proteins — as a transitional step, while fully plant-based replacements for staples like cream, mayonnaise, and butter are becoming the norm.
Government and industry standards: The Dutch Health Council supports a 60% plant-protein, 40% animal-protein diet, and food safety, dietary precision, and compliance with nutrition standards are essential, especially at large-scale events.
What Makes Plant-Based Catering Successful?
Taste is King
According to Martine van Haperen, Nutrition and Health Expert at ProVeg Netherlands, “taste was the most important factor in the success of the plant-based variants, and familiar flavours must be retained or even improved.” At UP Events, we focus on delivering delicious, satisfying dishes that everyone can enjoy — without overemphasizing health or sustainability, which can sometimes create negative taste expectations.
Transparency and Trust
Guests appreciate knowing exactly what’s in their food. We clearly label all dishes and provide allergen information, building trust and making it easy for everyone to make informed choices.
Customization and Creativity
No two events are the same, so neither are our menus. We offer tailored vegan and vegetarian options for all occasions, from team-building activities to corporate events, school activities, and private celebrations. Our chefs use local, seasonal ingredients to maximize freshness and sustainability, and we love to incorporate interactive food stations — like build-your-own salad bars or poke bowl stations — for a fun, engaging experience.
Most Popular Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes for Events
Plant-based catering has moved far beyond the basic salad. Here are some of the crowd-pleasers we regularly serve at UP Events:
Dish Type | Examples | Why Guests Love Them |
|---|---|---|
Continental | Vegan risotto, mushroom stroganoff, tarts | Familiar, elegant, and satisfying |
Plant-based “meats” | Burgers, sausages, blended protein options | Great for mixed audiences |
Asian/Middle Eastern | Falafel, curries, stir-fries, mezze platters | Flavorful, diverse, and vibrant |
Dairy-free desserts | Chocolate mousse, fruit tarts, vegan cakes | Essential for a complete experience |
We also offer themed menus for workshops, meetings, and bachelor parties, ensuring every event is unique and memorable.
Best Practices for Event Organizers
Planning an event with diverse dietary needs? Here’s our expert advice:
- Survey attendees in advance to identify dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Clearly label all dishes and provide allergen information.
- Offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options — not just one or two token dishes.
- Partner with caterers experienced in plant-based cuisine who invest in menu innovation.
- Highlight plant-based options as the default, with animal-based dishes as alternatives, to gently “nudge” guests toward more sustainable choices.
As Martine van Haperen puts it, “A silent nudge towards more plant-based food” is often more effective than overt messaging.
Success Stories: Leading by Example
Dutch caterers’ commitment to plant-based targets, in partnership with organizations like Wakker Dier, is setting a new standard for the industry. Major supermarkets and catering companies have adopted tools like Eiweet’s Protein Tracker to monitor and improve their plant-based offerings — a benchmark for others across Europe.
At UP Events, we’ve seen firsthand how inclusive catering transforms events. Guests rave about our creative vegan and vegetarian dishes, and companies consistently report higher satisfaction and engagement when everyone feels included at the table.
Why Choose UP Events for Inclusive Catering?
With over 15 years of experience and a 4.8 Google review score from more than 2,600 customers, UP Events is your trusted partner for seamless, full-service event management in Amsterdam and Weesp. We handle everything in-house — from activities and catering to decorations and entertainment — so you can focus on connecting with your guests.
Our venues:
- Amsterdam West: 45,000 m² private event location with indoor and outdoor facilities.
- Weesp: Flexible event location for groups of all sizes.
Explore our activities, corporate events, and event agency services to see how we can make your next gathering unforgettable.
Useful Resources
- ProVeg International: Plant-Based Catering Insights
- Dutch Health Council: Dietary Guidelines
- Wakker Dier: Plant-Based Catering Initiatives
- Eiweet’s Protein Tracker
FAQ: Catering for Dietary Needs — Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Q: How do I ensure all dietary needs are met at my event? A: Survey your attendees in advance, work with experienced caterers, and clearly label all dishes with ingredients and allergens.
Q: What are the most popular vegan and vegetarian dishes for corporate events? A: Vegan risotto, mushroom stroganoff, plant-based burgers, falafel, curries, and dairy-free desserts are all crowd-pleasers.
Q: Is plant-based catering more expensive? A: Not necessarily. Using seasonal, local ingredients can keep costs comparable to traditional menus, and the positive impact on satisfaction and participation is well worth the investment.
Q: How can I encourage guests to try vegan or vegetarian options? A: Make plant-based dishes the default, present them attractively, and focus on taste and experience rather than just health or sustainability.
Q: Does UP Events offer fully vegan or vegetarian event packages? A: Absolutely! We can tailor any event — large or small — to be fully vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian, ensuring every guest is delighted.
Ready to create an inclusive, unforgettable event? Discover more about our team-building activities, school activities, and customized event packages at UP Events. Let’s make your next gathering a celebration of connection, creativity, and delicious plant-based cuisine!
