Inflight meals: Emirates serves 500,000 vegan meals a year as plant-based meals take off
Emirates serves more than 500,000 vegan meals a year as passengers prioritize nutrition, health and minimally processed food in the sky.
The airline is developing new plant-forward dining concepts to mark Veganuary and has confirmed that the next phase of its vegan offering will focus on real, whole and farm-to-table ingredients, with new dishes set to launch in 2027.
Emirates said the current development project sees its chefs create authentic, healthy and culinary-focused dishes, without replacing conventional proteins with plant-based meats and substitutes.
The airline said the approach reflects changing consumer expectations for transparency, sustainability and sustainability.
Emirates vegan food
The Vice President of Food and Beverage Design at Emirates, Doxis Bekris, said: “We are focusing on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables as the heroes of the plate. These ingredients provide a natural depth of flavor, texture, and nutrition without relying on highly processed alternatives. salads, Asian noodle dishes, and African stews. In our view, this approach feels rich in culture.
“While there are many admirable lab-based alternatives available, real food aligns with our sustainability goals and guests’ expectations for healthy choices.
“It’s about being open to our customers who want to know what they’re eating, and have confidence that it’s good for them and the world.
“We want to move from a position to a celebration of plants, where it’s not about what’s missing – but rather what’s being gained is authenticity, taste, and creativity.”
Airplane food
Emirates now has 488 vegan recipes circulating in 140 locations, representing a 60 percent growth in total recipes from 2024. The airline currently serves half a million vegan meals each year, with usage growing widely in line with the increase in passenger volume.
Last year, the top destinations for customers ordering vegan food was London, followed by Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali and Singapore.
Emirates said part of the demand comes from non-vegan customers opting for vegan meals when they fly, which they view as a convenience food that is often considered easy to digest.
Vegan meals can be ordered and pre-ordered onboard and in Emirates Lounges, with customers able to request vegan options on all flights and in all travel stages up to 24 hours before departure.
On more demanding routes, plant-based meals are also included as part of the main menu on offer.
Emirates said it offers vegan meals in all cabin classes, as well as complementary products such as vegan milk. Upholding its farm-to-fork philosophy, the airline includes fresh produce from Bustanica, described as the world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm.
The facility, which is a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering, supplies pesticide-free and chemical-free leafy vegetables directly to Emirates restaurants.
In Economy Class, dishes include pumpkin frittata with sautéed mushrooms and tomato concassé, spinach cannelloni with tomato basil sauce, toasted breadcrumbs with parsley, and desserts like vegan chocolate mousse cake or carrot cake topped with coconut cream.
Premium Economy customers who choose a vegan diet are served dishes such as kimchi fried rice and roasted pumpkin and sautéed oyster mushrooms, followed by desserts including coconut cake with pineapple compote and pistachios.
In Business Class, the menu includes braised mushrooms and vegetables in five-spice soy sauce, served with steamed jasmine rice and blanched pak choi. Desserts include coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse and fresh berries, or chocolate tofu cheesecake.
First Class customers are offered premium vegan options such as pumpkin and barley risotto with rocket, caramelised walnuts, vinaigrette and vegan cheese, and quinoa salad with grilled aubergine, courgette, sautéed Swiss chard and red pepper coulis.
