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Free buffet card template: printable A4 PDF (with allergen legend)

Last updated: · Catering Cat editorial team

Download a free buffet card template here: an A4 PDF with 4 fold-over cards of 100 × 139 mm that fold into 100 × 69.5 mm standing cards – the dish name on the front, space for ingredients and allergens on the back. There is also an allergen legend with the 14 major allergens to display at the buffet. Both files can be used without signing up and without watermarks.

Download the templates

  • Buffet card template A4

    English · PDF · 4 KB

    4 fold-over cards per sheet, cut and fold lines, single-sided

    Download PDF

  • Allergen legend A4

    English · PDF · 4 KB

    14 major allergens with codes A–N to display

    Download PDF

  • Buffet card template A4

    German · PDF · 4 KB

    4 fold-over cards per sheet, cut and fold lines, single-sided

    Download PDF

  • Allergen legend A4

    German · PDF · 4 KB

    14 major allergens with codes A–N to display

    Download PDF

How to use the template

  • Open the PDF and print at actual size (100 %) – not “fit to page”, otherwise the dimensions are off.
  • Single-sided printing is enough. Heavier paper (250–300 gsm) stands better.
  • Cut along the dashed lines marked with scissors.
  • Fold along the dotted line in the middle.
  • Write the dish name on the front, ingredients and allergens on the back. The back is printed upside down so both sides read upright after folding.

Size and format

  • Paper: A4 portrait (210 × 297 mm).
  • 4 cards of 100 × 139 mm, folded 100 × 69.5 mm.
  • Margins: 5 mm left and right, 9.5 mm top and bottom; neighbouring cards share one cut line.
  • Same geometry as the cards Catering Cat prints – so you can mix both.

What is the allergen legend for?

Many businesses mark allergens on buffet cards with letters. These codes are not legally standardised, so guests must be able to look up their meaning easily. The legend lists all 14 major allergens under Annex II of the EU Food Information Regulation with the codes A–N and the foods they cover. Display it clearly at the buffet or at the counter.

Template or software?

  • Template: ideal for single events and a few dishes. You write by hand or type in a word processor.
  • Software: pays off once dishes repeat or recipes change. Allergens are derived from ingredients, reviewed and printed in batches.
  • Catering Cat prints cards in the same format automatically – up to 10 dishes free.

Frequently asked questions

Is the template really free?

Yes. You can download the PDFs without signing up, print them and use them in your business – commercially too.

Can I fill in the template on the computer?

The template is meant for printing and writing by hand. If you want to fill cards on the computer, Catering Cat does it automatically from your dishes, ingredients and allergens.

Which paper should I use?

Normal printer paper works. For sturdy table cards, heavier paper of 250–300 gsm is recommended if your printer can handle it.

Are the letter codes A–N official?

No. There are no legally fixed codes. The legend shows the codes Catering Cat uses; what matters is that guests can understand them with a legend.

More about these allergens

Guides

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Catering Cat supports the management of allergen information and does not replace a legal review.