The Cost of Comfort: Paying the Price for Dietary Accommodations

EDITOR’S NOTE: This blog discusses the added cost of dietary restrictions in day-to-day life. RiR also wants to acknowledge that dietary restrictions and allergens can be a matter of life or death. Having safe access to food is a disability issue and not taking accommodations seriously leads to tragedies like the recent death of Disney influencer Dominque Brown.

I stumbled upon this cozy little café in Puerto Vallarta that had the perfect vibe: a swinging chair, cute plants hanging from the walls, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Best of all: everything on the menu was entirely gluten-free. I treated myself to a bacon-wrapped shrimp burger, refreshing hibiscus lemonade, and a rich chocolate mousse that felt like a slice of heaven. As someone with Celiac disease, finding a spot like this felt like winning the jackpot—it was one of those rare places where I could indulge without worrying about gluten sneaking into my meal.

Eating out as a Celiac is often a nerve-wracking experience. It’s a dance of conversations and questions that can be exhausting, especially when you’re just trying to enjoy a meal. Even the tiniest trace of gluten can set off an entire health crisis for me. Over time, it can lead to some serious complications. So, when I find a restaurant that gets it, it’s like finding a hidden gem.

Unfortunately, most of the safe options tend to be on the pricey side. It seems like the fancier the place, the better the staff understands food allergies. This gives me peace of mind, as I’d rather shell out a few extra bucks than risk my health. But let’s be real: those extra costs can add up, whether I’m traveling or just grabbing a bite out locally.

This issue isn’t exclusive to people with Celiac disease; it affects anyone with dietary restrictions or health conditions. For example: at many coffee shops, if you choose almond milk instead of regular milk, there’s often a $1.00 surcharge. While a dollar might not seem like much, it’s about the principle. It can also add up.

Almond milk costs the same to produce as regular milk, so why should people with dietary needs be penalized for having a health condition? If it does cost more to make alternative products, some countries or government systems would cover the difference for individuals with chronic health needs, similar to how insurance pays for a sick person’s medication.

But those with conditions like Celiac, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or lactose intolerance are left to cover the extra costs on our own. This can be a significant burden for those already struggling financially. Rather than trying to profit from people’s disability, our system should offer support and equity. It should be standard to provide reasonable accommodations as part of ethical business practice.

For one, governments or organizations could provide subsidies for products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as almond milk. Retailers and manufacturers could adopt inclusive pricing strategies that ensure no additional charges for people requiring alternative products due to health conditions.

Health insurance plans could also cover the costs of specialized foods, medications, and treatments for chronic health conditions, similar to how they cover other medical expenses. Lastly, companies could provide transparency about the cost of producing alternative products to address misconceptions about pricing.

Combining these strategies could lead to a more equitable—and safer—environment for those of us for whom food can be a minefield. I dream of a world where that cozy little café is commonplace. I dream of a Puerto Vallarta for all.

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Eleni Stephanides (she/her) is a Spanish interpreter and freelance writer living in Oakland, CA. She has been published in LGBTQ Nation, Them, Elephant Journal, Tiny Buddha, Introvert Dear, Peaceful Dumpling, and The Mindful Word, among others. In her spare time, she enjoys wandering through nature, reading fiction and mental health content, speaking Spanish, and petting cats. You can follow her on Instagram and Medium.