American Airlines Introduces Healthy Meal Options in Premium Cabins

American Airlines is introducing new healthy menu options in the premium cabin on select routes. Many airlines have been deploying healthier meals and drinks in recent years in response to customer requests, and American is the latest to increase its offerings in this arena.

Let’s have a look at all the details!

American Teams Up With the James Beard Foundation

American Airlines’ new healthier options will be found on the “nourishing wellbeing menu,” which will be designed by nutritionists from the James Beard Foundation. This isn’t the first time the airline has sought the expertise of the culinary foundation — it has partnered with the James Beard Foundation on a number of other menu items.

The New Meals

As of October 12, 2022, the airline will introduce 3 new meals, including:

• Mushroom and asparagus frittata (breakfast)
• Harvest vegetable and grain bowl (lunch and dinner)
• Golden roasted chicken (lunch and dinner)

Lunch and dinner entrees will be paired with a new dip duo, which is offered only when pre-ordering.

It’s great that American is incorporating these new healthy meals into its rotation, as airplane food tends to be unhealthy overall. We’ll have to wait and see what these meals actually taste like, but based on the pictures alone, the portions look nicely sized and there are plenty of vegetables to enjoy.

If these meals prove to be popular, the airline says it will expand the offerings to more flights in the months and years to come.

Hot Tip: Learn more about American Airlines in our detailed review of the carrier!

How To Order AA’s Healthier Meals

These healthier options will be available onboard and by pre-order, beginning October 12, 2022. Even if you don’t have a chance to order one of these entrees in advance, you may have a chance to order during your flight.

The meals will be available in premium cabins on the following routes:

• Transcontinental flights
• Long-haul Hawaii flights to/from Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW)
• All long-haul international routes

Also from October 12, you’ll see some other items that will be available for pre-order only. American previously offered pre-order-only charcuterie and cheese plates which proved to be very popular. As a reminder, you can pre-order meals up to 24 hours in advance of departure.

Final Thoughts

It’s always nice to see an airline offering healthier food options on flights, as many airline meals are loaded with calories and grease.

We certainly appreciate American’s effort to offer fresh and healthy options to appeal to different appetites and lifestyles. We’re eager to get on board to give these healthier meals a try!