B2English

Allergies & Dietary Needs

Use these phrases to clearly communicate food allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences to restaurant staff, ensuring you can eat safely.

Key Phrases

Voice
Stating a severe allergy · 2 ways to say it

Just a heads-up, I'm super allergic to nuts, so I really can't risk any cross-contact.

neutral

Standard way to warn staff about a serious medical need

I should let you know that I have a severe nut allergy, so please ensure there is no cross-contamination.

polite

More formal phrasing, ensures staff take the request seriously

Stating an intolerance · 2 ways to say it

I'm lactose intolerant, so I try to steer clear of heavy dairy if I can.

neutral

Explaining your needs to staff or acquaintances

Dairy kind of messes with my stomach, so I usually just skip it.

casual

Explaining your dietary needs informally to a friend

Asking about ingredients · 2 ways to say it

Could you tell me if this dish has any dairy in it, or is it safe?

neutral

Polite but standard question for service staff

Do you happen to know if they use butter or oil when they cook this?

casual

Asking a friend or dining companion for their best guess

Requesting modifications · 3 ways to say it

Can I get the burger without the bun, and maybe sub a side salad for the fries?

neutral

US

Could I have the burger without the bun, and maybe swap the chips for a side salad?

neutral

UK

Would it be possible to have the burger without the bun, and substitute the fries with a salad?

polite

More polite phrasing, suitable for higher-end restaurants

Asking about takeout options · 2 ways to say it

Do you have a separate gluten-free menu for takeout, or is it all the same?

neutral

US

Do you have a separate gluten-free menu for takeaway, or is it all the same?

neutral

UK

Asking about food preparation

Are the fries cooked in a shared fryer, or do you have a dedicated one?

neutral

A crucial question for celiacs or those with severe allergies

Clarifying severity

It's just a dietary preference, not a strict allergy, so a little bit of cross-contact is fine.

neutral

Reassures staff that they don't need to take extreme kitchen precautions

Double-checking an order · 2 ways to say it

Just to double-check, this dish is definitely the gluten-free one, right?

neutral

Standard way to verify your order upon delivery

Could I just confirm that this is the gluten-free version of the pasta?

polite

More formal way to verify your dish with the server

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Hi, I was looking at the chicken sandwich, but I'm actually lactose intolerant. Could you tell me if it has any dairy?
Server
Okay, good to know. The sandwich comes with cheese, and the bun is also toasted with butter.
Customer
Ah, got it. Can I get the sandwich without the cheese, and maybe sub a side salad for the fries?
Server
The fries are actually dairy-free, but they are cooked in a shared fryer. Is that going to be an issue?
Customer
No, that's okay. It's just a dietary preference, not a strict allergy, so a little bit of cross-contact is fine.
Server
Perfect. And I can swap the bun for a lettuce wrap if you want to avoid the butter entirely.
Customer
That sounds great. I'll go with the lettuce wrap and the fries, please.
Server
Sure thing. I'll make sure the kitchen knows, and put that in for you right now.

More Eating & Drinking Out (B2)

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