In today’s workplace, food plays a central role in social interactions, from lunch breaks to team celebrations. However, with diverse dietary needs becoming more prevalent, understanding food intolerances and sensitivities among coworkers is essential for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment. While food allergies often get the most attention due to their potentially life-threatening nature, food intolerances and sensitivities can also have a significant impact on a person’s health and daily life.
If you’ve ever worked with someone who has to meticulously check ingredient labels or who avoids certain foods at office gatherings, you may be curious about why. Understanding the difference between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities—as well as how to support coworkers dealing with these issues—can contribute to a healthier, more considerate workplace.
Food Intolerance vs. Food Sensitivity vs. Food Allergy
The terms “food intolerance,” “food sensitivity,” and “food allergy” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different reactions in the body.
Food Allergies
A food allergy is an immune system response that can be life-threatening. When someone with a food allergy consumes even a small amount of the allergen (e.g., peanuts, shellfish, or dairy), their immune system reacts aggressively, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. People with food allergies must be extremely cautious, as exposure can be severe or fatal.
Food Intolerances
Food intolerances occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods, usually due to enzyme deficiencies or chemical reactions. A common example is lactose intolerance, where the body lacks lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose (a sugar found in dairy products). Symptoms often include bloating, gas, diarrhea, or stomach pain, but they are not life-threatening. Unlike allergies, intolerances are often dose-dependent—someone with lactose intolerance might tolerate a small amount of dairy but experience symptoms with larger quantities.
FODMAP intolerance is when someone has issues with a whole classification of carbohydrates (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) which include fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, and polyols. While the mechanism that causes this is not well-understood, it is believed to stem from poor digestion of FODMAPs that leads to overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, and increased fermentation. This large intolerance can require a long elimination diet, and even with dietary changes may require supplementation with a digestive enzyme like that found in FODZYME powder.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are more complex and not as well understood as intolerances or allergies. They may involve the immune system but not in the same way as allergies. Sensitivities can cause delayed reactions, such as headaches, joint pain, brain fog, digestive issues, or fatigue. Common triggers include gluten, certain food additives, or histamine-containing foods. Since reactions can take hours or even days to manifest, sensitivities can be difficult to diagnose.
How Food Intolerances and Sensitivities Affect Your Coworkers
For those dealing with food intolerances or sensitivities, eating the wrong foods—even unintentionally—can make them feel unwell for hours or even days. This can affect productivity, concentration, and overall well-being. Imagine a coworker who has celiac disease (an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten) unintentionally consuming a gluten-containing snack at a team meeting. They may not experience an immediate reaction, but they could suffer from severe digestive distress, fatigue, and brain fog later, impacting their work performance.
Others with lactose intolerance may have to be extra cautious at office events where dairy-laden dishes dominate. Someone struggling with FODMAP intolerance may be on a strict elimination diet at times, and only able to eat very particular foods. Someone with a sensitivity to artificial sweeteners may experience headaches or digestive discomfort after consuming diet sodas or sugar-free treats provided in the break room.
These experiences can be frustrating, isolating, and even embarrassing. Many people with food intolerances and sensitivities must constantly navigate social situations where they feel pressured to eat what’s available or explain their dietary needs repeatedly.
Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Coworkers with Food Sensitivities
As workplaces become more diverse and inclusive, it’s important to consider how food choices and practices affect all employees. Here’s how you can help:
1. Respect Individual Needs Without Judgment
Food intolerances and sensitivities are not a personal choice but a health necessity. Avoid questioning or teasing coworkers about their dietary restrictions. Instead of saying, “Oh, you’re just being picky” or “A little bit won’t hurt,” acknowledge their needs and respect their choices.
2. Offer Inclusive Food Options at Events
When planning office lunches, meetings, or celebrations, consider a variety of food options. Offering dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-based choices ensures that everyone can participate without feeling excluded. Labeling foods clearly can also help those with dietary restrictions make safe choices.
3. Keep Shared Spaces Allergen-Friendly
If your office has a communal kitchen, be mindful of cross-contamination. For example, using a separate toaster for gluten-free bread or keeping allergen-friendly snacks separate from other foods can prevent accidental exposure. Encourage a culture of cleanliness and consideration in shared food areas.
4. Foster Open Conversations
Encourage an environment where coworkers feel comfortable discussing their dietary needs without fear of judgment. If you’re planning a team event, ask participants if they have any food restrictions. A simple, “Hey, is there anything we should consider when ordering food?” can go a long way in making everyone feel included.
5. Educate Yourself and Others
Awareness is key to fostering a supportive workplace. If a coworker has a food intolerance or sensitivity, take the time to learn about it. If you’re a manager or team leader, consider incorporating food inclusivity into workplace wellness initiatives.
Understanding food intolerances and sensitivities among your coworkers is not just about being polite—it’s about creating a workplace culture that values health, inclusivity, and respect. Since food is such a central part of work life, from coffee breaks to celebrations, small changes in awareness and accommodation can make a big difference in making all employees feel comfortable and supported.
By fostering a more inclusive attitude toward dietary needs, you help create a work environment where everyone can thrive—without worrying about the food on their plate.
