Emirates has confirmed it is developing a new range of plant-based dishes focused on whole, minimally processed ingredients, with the updated offering expected to be introduced onboard in 2027.

The airline says the new concepts are being developed in response to growing global interest in nutrition, health and wellbeing, alongside a shift towards simpler, less processed food.

Rather than relying on engineered plant-based meat substitutes, the dishes centre on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and seasonal vegetables.

Emirates Vice President of Food & Beverage Design, Doxis Bekris, says: “Our focus now is on legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and seasonal vegetables as the heroes of the plate. These ingredients offer natural depth of flavour, texture, and nutrition without relying on ultra-processed alternatives.

“Instead of replicating meat, we want to draw from cuisines that have always been plant-forward like Mediterranean mezze, Levantine grain salads, Asian noodle bowls, and African stews. In our view this approach feels genuine and culturally rich.

Traditionally plant-forward cuisines take centre stage

The development project involves a team of chefs creating plant-based meals inspired by cuisines that have traditionally been plant-forward, including Mediterranean, Levantine, Asian and African food cultures. The approach prioritises taste, texture and nutrition while maintaining a connection to culinary tradition.

“Although there are many commendable lab-based alternatives available, real food aligns with our sustainability goals and guest expectations for health-conscious choices,” Bekris adds.

It’s about transparency for our customers who want to know what they’re eating, as well as have confidence that it’s good for them and the planet. We want to shift from substitutes to a celebration of plants, where it’s not about what’s missing but instead what is gained in authenticity, flavour, and creativity.”

The airline currently serves around half a million vegan meals each year and has 488 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations. This represents a 60% increase in vegan recipes compared with 2024.

Vegan meal consumption trends upwards

Vegan meal consumption continues to rise alongside passenger numbers. In the past year, London recorded the highest number of vegan meal orders, followed by Sydney, Bangkok, Melbourne, Frankfurt, Manchester, Mumbai, Bali and Singapore. Emirates attributes part of this demand to non-vegan passengers choosing vegan meals as a lighter option during flights.

Emirates offers vegan cuisine across all cabin classes, alongside complementary products such as vegan milk. As part of its farm-to-fork approach, the airline sources fresh produce from Bustanica, a hydroponic vertical farm operated as a joint venture with Emirates Flight Catering. The facility supplies pesticide and chemical-free leafy greens directly to Emirates’ catering operations.

The menu

In Economy class, vegan options include pumpkin frittata with sautéed mushrooms and tomato concassé, or spinach cannelloni with tomato basil sauce, toasted crumbs and parsley. Desserts include vegan chocolate mousse cake with chocolate sauce and biscuit crumbs, or carrot cake finished with coconut cream.

Premium Economy customers can choose dishes such as kimchi fried rice with roasted pumpkin and sautéed oyster mushrooms, followed by desserts including coconut cake with pineapple compote and pistachios.

In Business class, vegan meals include braised mushrooms with vegetables in five spice soy sauce, served with steamed jasmine rice and blanched pak choi. Dessert options include coconut panna cotta with raspberry mousse and fresh berries, or chocolate tofu cheesecake.

First class vegan dishes include pumpkin and barley risotto with rocket, caramelised walnuts, vinaigrette and vegan cheese, as well as quinoa salad with grilled aubergine, courgette, sautéed swiss chard and red pepper coulis. Desserts include strawberry tart with vanilla custard and pistachios served with berry compote, or sticky date pudding with salted caramel sauce, vegan cream cheese, candied pecans and almond butter.

Vegan meals can be ordered and pre-ordered across all Emirates flights and classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure, and are also available in Emirates Lounges. On high-demand routes, plant-based dishes are included as part of the standard onboard menu.

Source: Burson Global

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