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Emirates to Launch Vegan Menu in 2027

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/31/emirates-to-launch-vegan-menu-in-2027.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 6:43 GMT by Travel Daily Media
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Dubai, UAE - January 31, 2026 - Emirates airline today announced a significant expansion of its vegan culinary offerings, unveiling a globally-inspired plant-based menu scheduled to launch in 2027. This move underscores the airline's dedication to meeting the evolving dietary needs of passengers and solidifying its reputation as an innovator in inflight dining, while also addressing growing concerns about sustainability within the aviation industry.

Responding to a rapidly increasing global demand for vegan options, particularly within the travel sector, Emirates is going beyond simply offering vegan meals - it's actively curating a sophisticated and diverse dining experience. The 2027 menu promises a far cry from the often-limited and uninspired plant-based choices previously available on many airlines.

The new menu will draw inspiration from a range of international cuisines, offering passengers a true culinary journey. Highlights include a vibrant Mediterranean Mezze Platter, showcasing hummus, baba ghanoush, and other regional delicacies; a comforting and flavorful Japanese Vegetable Ramen, meticulously crafted with authentic broth and seasonal vegetables; and a richly aromatic Malabar Vegetable Curry, bringing the spice and depth of South Indian cuisine to 30,000 feet. Emirates emphasizes the commitment to utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring not only superior taste but also minimizing the environmental impact of food miles.

Central to the menu's development is a collaboration with Alessandro Bartesaghi, a renowned celebrity chef and leading food trend specialist. Bartesaghi, known for his forward-thinking approach to gastronomy, has worked closely with Emirates' culinary team to design dishes that are both palatable to a broad audience and representative of the growing sophistication of vegan cuisine.

"The vegan movement isn't a trend - it's a fundamental shift in how people approach food and their relationship with the planet," Bartesaghi stated in a press conference earlier today. "I'm delighted to partner with Emirates to create a menu that is not only delicious and sustainable, but also genuinely exciting. We've focused on showcasing the incredible versatility of plant-based ingredients, proving that vegan food can be just as flavorful, satisfying, and visually appealing as any other cuisine."

Bartesaghi explained the challenges and rewards of creating airline food. "The altitude and cabin pressure affect taste perception, so we had to adjust the seasoning and textures to ensure optimal flavor delivery. We focused on umami-rich ingredients and bold spices to compensate for any diminished taste."

Emirates is investing significantly in dedicated kitchen facilities to ensure the integrity of its vegan meals. Strict protocols are in place to prevent cross-contamination with animal products, offering peace of mind to vegan and plant-based passengers. The airline has also streamlined its pre-ordering process, allowing passengers to easily request their vegan meals online during flight booking.

The airline's initiative aligns with a broader industry trend. While many airlines are beginning to offer limited vegan choices, Emirates is striving to become a leader in the space. This is partly driven by the increasing number of vegans and vegetarians globally, but also by a growing segment of 'flexitarians' - individuals who actively reduce their meat consumption for health or environmental reasons.

Industry analysts predict a continued surge in demand for plant-based options in air travel, with estimates suggesting that vegan passenger numbers could double within the next five years. Airlines that fail to adapt risk losing a significant portion of this growing market.

Emirates' commitment extends beyond the menu itself. The airline is actively exploring other sustainability initiatives, including reducing food waste, sourcing ingredients from local and ethical suppliers, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging. The company views this new vegan menu as a key component of a larger, holistic approach to responsible travel.