Vegan catering: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering vegan catering
You prepare plant based meals for gatherings, using vegetables, grains, legumes and plant proteins. Clients want food that is filling, well seasoned and checked for animal products before it reaches the table.
What customers ask
- Is the food fully vegan, including the sauces and the desserts?
- Can you cater a mixed event with vegan and non vegan food?
- What proteins do you use?
- Can you label each dish with the allergens?
- Will the menu be filling for a full meal?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask for the guest count, the service style, whether the event is fully vegan and any allergies
- Offer a tasting of a protein dish, a grain dish and a sauce, with each ingredient listed
- Show a menu that marks each dish's main protein and the allergens it contains
- Put in the quote the dishes, portion sizes, the separation plan if the event mixes food and the servers
- Check every stock, sauce and baked good for animal products and record the check
- Plan the separation of vegan dishes at the buffet with their own utensils and labels
- Name the person who answers guests' questions about the ingredients on the day
What to put on your profile
- Post photos of plant based dishes, including the protein and grain dishes
- List the proteins and grains you use, such as tofu, beans, lentils and whole grains
- Show your ingredient check process
- Describe your labeling and separation practices
- Add your permits and food handler certification status, described accurately
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a plant based dessert set for the end of the meal
- Suggest a menu for the host's next family dinner
- Recommend a tasting for guests who are new to plant based food
- Share a recipe card for a dish the guests enjoyed
Licenses and permits
Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety, and the kitchen you cook in may need its own approval. Keep your permits and staff cards on file and check the rules for each venue where you serve.
Questions
Do I need a permit to cater vegan food from home?
Food businesses commonly need a health permit or a food handler card from the local office that oversees food safety. Check with that office before you cook for clients from a home kitchen.
How do I make sure the food is truly vegan?
Check every ingredient, including stocks, sauces, sugar and baked goods, and keep a list of the brands you use. Tell the client what you checked.
What if a guest has a soy allergy?
Label the tofu, tempeh and soy sauce, and offer a dish that does not use soy. Tell the host which items contain soy so they can plan the menu.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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