Airlines are Finally Stepping Up Their Game and Offering More Vegan and Gluten-free Options

Food and beverage manufacturers are not the only producers working to keep up with plant-based and gluten-free demands. In order to keep customers happy, airlines are now working to provide their flyers with both vegan and gluten-free options!

Airlines are now hiring celebrity chefs to make some alterations to their menus and are opting out on peanuts, for allergy sufferers on board. David Rodriguez, manager of food and beverage service at Alaska Airlines, says that, “Based on the number of requests we get you’d think 50 percent of people are gluten-free or vegetarian.” Rodriguez explains that not only is it important that these options be made readily available, but they also have to be tasty too.

Instead of offering your typical meat-free pasta dish, airlines are spicing it up to keep plant-based consumers interested. American Airlines has been experimenting with zucchini balls and stuffed mushrooms, while United Airlines has been working with quinoa, faro, and chia seeds. Delta Airlines has also been offering gluten-free snacks on board as well!

What is even more exciting is that Air New Zealand has recently announced that they will be serving the Impossible Burger to business class passengers traveling from Los Angeles to Auckland during their 12 hour flight.

We hope to see more plant-based options on airline menus to make traveling less stressful and more convenient!

Looking for easy snacks to bring onboard? 

Sometimes packing your own snack is the best way to be prepared when traveling. During a long flight, you want to know that you’ll be well fed. Here are some quick and easy recipes from our Food Monster App to bring to the airport!

Banana Bread Energy Bar

These banana bread bars are perfect to eat during a long flight to help keep your energy levels up! They’re also pretty filling.

Sweet Potato Bean Burrito with Plantains and Guac

This burrito can conveniently be stashed in a tupperware and eaten during a flight, not to mention it’s extra tasty and satisfying!

Quinoa and Beet Salad with Hazelnuts

This grain salad with beets, fresh herbs, and toasted hazelnuts will provide all the nourishment you need during your flight. It’s also packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E!

For more recipes, we recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out! 

Lead Image Source: dmitry.kaglik/Flickr