In the dynamic world of airline catering, staying ahead of the culinary curve is crucial.

As we soar into 2024, we take a look at the top ten food trends that will dominate kitchens this year. From plant-based delights to cutting-edge technology, our journey through these trends promises a delectable experience for passengers worldwide.

Plant-Based Renaissance: Back to Basics

After a period of over-processing in 2023, plant-based cuisine is returning to its roots. Passengers can expect a renaissance of plant-based offerings that prioritise simplicity and nutritional value. As mentioned in WGSN’s ‘Plant Based World Expo Europe 2023’ article, “despite plant-based products beginning to struggle, particularly due to their higher cost, there’s still potential within the market to develop plant-based products meeting rising consumer needs.”¹ Expect to see more products from brands such as Easy Bean (UK) whose plant-based meals are made with 100% natural ingredients and include a French Green Lentil & Sweet Chestnut Ragout, Indian Cauliflower & Spinach Sambar Dhal or Moroccan Chickpea & Aubergine Tagine.²

Tech-Powered Culinary Innovation

Embracing technology is not just a trend; it’s a culinary revolution from 3D printing to wearables to artificial intelligence. AI is being utilised to problem-solve, forecast trends, and experiment with innovative culinary creations, helping to offer passengers unexpected delights. With nutritech companies such as L-Nutra securing over $45 million in funding for its work in longevity science and an overarching trend of ‘empowered self’ centred around foods that provide individual nutrition and functional benefits to consumers, you can expect to see a particular focus on plant-based therapeutics to treat age-related chronic diseases.³

Classic Comfort for Turbulent Times

In times of unrest, passengers turn to familiar favourites and En Route anticipates a revival of classic comfort dishes from the 50s right through to the 90s, offering a nostalgic journey with modern twists (and yes, you are allowed to feel old after hearing the 90s refer to as being ‘nostalgic’!). We’re seeing consumers indulge in beloved classics such as banana splits, prawn cocktail and trifles. No word yet on whether the 80’s staple, the cheese and pineapple hedgehog will be undergoing a Michelin-star revolution, but we can only hope!

Snackisfaction: On-the-Go Gastronomy

When people are short for time, long, lazy stretched out mealtimes become obsolete, and quick, convenient, on-the-go snacky meals come to the front of the queue, and this doesn’t change when in the air. Shareable snacks create an avenue for passengers to engage with each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie and intimacy during their journey. Whether it’s enjoying an assortment of cheeses, olives, and cured meats, or passing around bite-sized delicacies, shareable snacks encourage conversation and interaction among travel companions. Snack boxes and tapas boards – much like the ones En Route supplies – are all expected to become stars of the show in 2024.

Awesome Ambient: Gourmet Convenience

Building on the Snackisfaction trend, Awesome Ambient elevates time-efficient tins and packets to gourmet status. Fast and convenient meets gourmet quality, this trend offers consumers a delightful culinary experience without the effort of cooking from scratch. For example, the American meal solutions brand, Home Chef, recently revealed Tempo, a “recurring weekly meal delivery subscription that serves up fast, feel-good, single-serving meals. Customers receive fresh, chef-designed, ready-to-heat meals crafted to be microwaved in under 4 minutes.” With choices including Citrus Ponzo Chicken, Black Bean Enchilada Skillet and Apricot Herb Glazed Turkey, it’s really raised the bar on what convenient catering can be.

Worth the Splurge: Quality Over Quantity

In the face of a cost-of-living crisis and ‘shrinkflation’, consumers are re-evaluating priorities and really thinking about what to spend their money on. En Route understands the importance of quality over quantity, such as our range of artisan cheeses that you can find on board Emirates’ first and business class flights. With a great rotation of award-wining cheeses from all over the globe, passengers can rest assured that their inflight cheeseboard is of the finest quality.

Cheap & Cheerful: Mindful Cost Cutting

Balancing cost and taste, Cheap & Cheerful resonates with consumers looking for affordability without compromising on flavour. Big name brands are becoming less important to younger generations, and consumers are now more willing to take a chance on lesser-known, cheaper offerings from discount supermarkets such as Lidl or Aldi (which was named ‘Britain’s most popular supermarket’ by YouGov in 2023). These ‘micro-moments of joy’ could present in the form of gourmet kebabs, elevated fried chicken, or other budget-friendly yet delicious options.

Umami Explosion: Bold and Moreish Flavors

Rich, moreish flavours take flight with the Umami trend. En Route’s culinary offerings push the boundaries, exploring the vast potential of big and bold flavours that redefine the in-flight dining experience. “Consumers are seeking spice with sweet, sour, umami and creamy pairings that add depth to dishes” says WGSN⁴, such as Lahbco’s sweet and spicy version of gazpacho, made with peaches and harissa, or Bonnie’s fried milk sundae topped with MSG-seasoned buttered fried peanuts and pork floss.

Real Food Rules: A Return to Authenticity

As we bid farewell to ultra-processed items, Real Food Rules. Consumers are championing the use of proper, wholesome ingredients like butter, oil, milk, and cheese. For example, the indulgent Brown Butter & Sam’s Bakehouse Cookie Pie Ice Cream from Ginger’s Comfort Emporium, or Anju’s Coffee French Toast – milk bread stuffed with coffee cream, bruleed bananas, and caramel whipped cream.

At En Route, we’re not just catering to flights; we’re crafting culinary journeys that reflect the tastes and preferences of the modern traveller. Bon appétit, and happy flying!