3 tips for attending a non-vegan BBQ

You can still enjoy going to an omni-barbie if you prepare ahead and know what to expect

So, you've gotten the dreaded question from your non-vegan friend: ‘Would you like to come to a BBQ?'. The dilemma: you love your friend but hate that they eat meat and dairy. How do you appease them by attending and have some fun yourself, without getting sick at the sight of meat? If you're newly vegan, or one of the only vegans in your friendship group or family, it's likely you've been to an omnivorous BBQ before, but it can still be daunting. Don't fret — it's very possible to attend the gathering, enjoy yourself and even do some low-key vegan outreach. Read on to find out how.

1. Talk to hosts in advance

If you are going to a party round a close friend's or relative's house, they probably already know that you're vegan. Despite this, we advise chatting to them beforehand. Explain what you can and cannot eat, just in case they are not aware and cook you something that is unsuitable! Politely ask if they will cook your food separately to the meat, using dedicated utensils and on a special part of the grill or a different BBQ entirely, if they have one. Otherwise, if you have a portable BBQ

(and we don't mean a disposable one), like a camping grill or similar device, find out whether your host would appreciate you bringing it along. That way, they can make sure that your food is cooked separately, without worrying about crosscontamination and mix-ups. You can also offer to cook your own food, if you think this would help out the chef!

It is also important to let your host know what you are and are not comfortable with — remind them that you would appreciate if they did not wave meat in your direction when serving others, and that they don't shout out loud about where they got the meat from and how they cooked it. If they love you, we're sure they will be sensitive to your feelings and ethics.

2. Bring some tasty vegan food

Perhaps your hosts aren't too savvy on what the best plant-based burgers are or maybe they don't know what side dishes you can eat — make things easier for everyone by taking some pre-made or pre-cooked food along. You could also take some sharing dishes for other guests to enjoy — that way, you can feel a bit better knowing that the party isn't a complete meat and dairy fest, and others can try amazing vegan food. You never know, it might tempt your friends to try more plant-based foods in the future and start them on their own ethical journey.

3. Mentally prepare yourself

A gathering where meat is the main event is not something that most vegans will enjoy — but, unless you only have vegan friends or possess an all-vegan family (you lucky things!), it's a situation you are likely to find yourself in this summer. Before you leave the house to attend the event, make sure that you mentally prepare yourself for what you will see and smell. There will be meat; there will be dairy and there will probably be a gluttony of it. Before you leave, talk yourself through your reasons for being vegan and reaffirm these when you are at the party. Remember that by taking vegan food, you are lessening the impact of the BBQ and opening other guests' eyes to veganism. Keep in mind that the other people at the BBQ are your loved ones, and that they are still good people, if extremely misguided.

During the event, try to stay away from the cooking area, and refrain from putting others off their food — we doubt they will respond well. Instead, big-up how tasty your vegan burger is, and ask them if they would like to try it or anything else you have brought.

If there are people at the BBQ who were not aware that you are vegan, be prepared for questions, and tell them in an honest, gentle way your reasons for refraining from animal products. Many people are curious or simply do not know how abusive animal agriculture is. Explain your beliefs but avoid debates — save that for another time when you're not all trying to have fun together! Spread the vegan message in an accessible, non-defensive way and you will likely encourage more people to look into it — and to put down the beef burger.