The initial shift towards a plant-based diet can always be daunting. Whether it's for January or for good, or you’re just keen to cut back on meat occasionally, there’s no need to abandon plans for a good meal – even when you’re traveling.

UAE flag carrier Emirates has consistently ranked among the top vegan-friendly airlines, with passengers citing the menu's diverse, high-quality, and innovative meals, which is only set to expand further in 2024.

What’s on offer?

After recording a 40% increase in demand for plant-based menu items through 2023, Emirates has confirmed it will be rolling out new recipes in-flight and at its lounges, growing its “vegan vault” to include over 300 airline exclusive vegan meals. Thanks to plant-based suppliers, including Beyond Meat, Arlene, Qian Ye, and Linnolat, as well as locally grown produce by Bustanica, the carrier has scaled up its menu to offer more vegan meals than ever before.

During 2023, almost 500,000 plant-based in-flight catering options were served onboard Emirates services, with economy class seeing the biggest surge in orders. New main meal items for the new year include chickpea crepes stuffed with carrots, peppers, mushrooms and tomato concasse, pumpkin frittatas, and tofu tikka masalas, while the dessert cart will provide coconut mousse, banana cake, and chocolate pudding. Alongside more leg room, premium economy passengers have additional dining selections, such as jackfruit curry, a squash and chestnut stew, chocolate tofu cheesecake, and raspberry parfait.

Previously praised by Time Out Dubai for its “Instagrammable” menu, business and first class will see a continued rotation of luxe and indulgent in-flight options, ranging from roasted cauliflower and chocolate cheesecake in business class to first’s aubergine curry with charred rice and rhubarb and strawberry with Chantilly cream.

If you’re traveling during 2024 and dreading a repeat of the notorious “vegan breakfast,” then keep your eyes peeled: additional items are set to be unveiled later this year, such as vegan pizza, fruit muffins, and a pistachio and raspberry tonka cake.

Growing demand

Since introducing vegan meals nearly 30 years ago to accommodate Ethiopian Orthodox passengers' dietary needs, Emirates has held a unique prestige among passengers observing alternative diets. Amid the recent rise in interest for plant-based dishes across Europe, the US, and Australia during the 2010s, the carrier has affirmed its commitment to offering a diverse choice of foods with its gourmet menu, as well as making the decision to offer vegan meals for its cabin crew members.

According to Emirates, demand for vegan meals has continued to grow 40% year-on-year, with passengers out of the Middle East ordering 34% more plant-based items in 2023 compared to 2022. The carrier’s Asian network is reported to have seen the most significant surge in the number of vegan meals, with China, Japan, and the Philippines all seeing “significant increases.”

The carrier isn’t the only one responding to the increased interest; during Veganuary, airlines such as SWISS and United Airlines are overhauling their veggie options with the backing of plant-based suppliers such as Beyond Meat and Impossible, respectively.