Emirates Shifts to Whole-Food Vegan Cuisine for Health-Conscious Travellers
Emirates has announced a shift in its approach to vegan cuisine, placing greater emphasis on minimally processed, plant-based foods in response to growing customer demand for healthier and more transparent dining options. The new concepts, currently under development, are expected to be introduced onboard in 2027.
As global consumers increasingly adopt a back-to-basics approach to nutrition, the airline said its focus is moving away from engineered plant-based substitutes towards real, whole ingredients such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds and seasonal vegetables. The initiative, launched during Veganuary, aims to deliver dishes that are authentic, vibrant and rooted in traditional culinary cultures.
Emirates Vice President of Food and Beverage Design, Doxis Bekris, said the airline’s philosophy is centred on celebrating plants rather than replicating meat. “We want to draw from cuisines that have always been plant-forward, including Mediterranean, Levantine, Asian and African traditions. This approach feels genuine, culturally rich and aligned with our sustainability goals,” he said.
According to Emirates, the airline currently serves around half a million vegan meals each year and now has 488 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations, representing a 60 per cent increase since 2024. London, Sydney and Bangkok rank among the top destinations for vegan meal orders, with many non-vegan customers opting for plant-based dishes as a lighter and easier-to-digest option when flying.
Vegan meals are available across all travel classes and can be pre-ordered up to 24 hours before departure, while high-demand routes also feature plant-based dishes on standard menus. Emirates’ lounges in Dubai similarly offer a wide selection of vegan options, ranging from buffet dishes to à la carte meals.
Supporting its farm-to-fork philosophy, Emirates incorporates fresh produce from Bustanica, the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm, which supplies pesticide-free leafy greens directly to the airline’s catering facilities.
From Economy to First Class, the airline offers a diverse range of vegan dishes and desserts, underscoring its commitment to culinary excellence for all customers. Emirates said the new whole-food vegan concepts will further enhance choice, transparency and sustainability across its global network.
