Emirates Returns to Basics, Ditches Fake Meat for Vegan Meals
Emirates Airline is shifting its focus in vegan cuisine, moving away from fake meat and ultra-processed ingredients. This decision stems from a desire to create genuine plant-based meals that celebrate whole foods.
Back to Basics: Emirates’ New Vegan Approach
Doxis Bekris, Emirates’ Vice President of Food & Beverage Design, announced this strategic change. The airline aims to feature ingredients such as:
- Legumes
- Grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Seasonal vegetables
These elements will form the core of their vegan offerings, moving away from recreating meat dishes. Bekris emphasized the airline’s commitment to drawing inspiration from culturally rich cuisines globally.
Growth in Vegan Meal Options
The airline maintains a vast collection of vegan recipes. Currently, Emirates offers:
- 488 vegan recipes
- Available across 140 destinations worldwide
- 60% increase in vegan meal options over the past two years
Despite these extensive offerings, the new vegan catering concept may not be fully implemented until early 2027.
Vegan Dining Trends
Emirates recently celebrated ‘Veganuary’ but noted that vegan meal pre-orders are rising year-round. In 2025, the airline served over:
- 500,000 vegan meals
- A 100,000 meal increase from 2024
London remains the top destination for these orders, with other popular cities including:
- Sydney
- Bangkok
- Melbourne
- Frankfurt
Additional notable destinations for vegan meal requests are Manchester, Mumbai, Bali, and Singapore.
Understanding the Demand
Interestingly, the surge in vegan meal requests is attributed not only to dedicated plant-based diners. Many non-vegan passengers are choosing lighter, wholesome meals for long-haul flights. While Emirates does not routinely offer vegan dishes in standard meal offerings, travelers can pre-order vegan meals at least 24 hours ahead of departure. Some routes with higher demand may feature vegan options on their regular menu.
This strategic direction reflects Emirates’ commitment to evolving its dining experience while catering to changing passenger preferences.
