Monarch releases mind-boosting in-flight meals

Low-cost airline Monarch is offering passengers innovative in-flight food in a bid boost mental and physical well-being, as well as potentially calming the fear of flying.

The Monarch Mood Food Box features immunity-boosting Echinacea, relaxing green tea and anti-bloating fennel seeds, assembled to boost happiness, relaxation and well-being. Green tea, for example, is packed with oxidants that can help fight jet-lag.

It has been reported that four out of every ten Brits experiences illness when travelling and the new menu has been specifically designed to deal with each stage of a flight. The menu was a joint project developed by Professor Charles Spence of Oxford University – who has previously worked with chef Heston Blumenthal and his team at The Fat Duck Research Kitchen – and Josef Youssef, Head Chef at Kitchen Theory.

Related stories:

• Ritz-Carlton Beijing and Air China team up to offer gourmet in-flight meals

• Protein supplements market set to soar beyond US$45bn by 2025

• Unilever expands ice cream portfolio with acquisition of Australia’s Weis

Read the latest issue

As ice cream was voted the top holiday treat by 40% of Brits in a recent Monarch survey, the new menu has put its own unique spin on the popular dessert with its black liquorice flavour. Dr Spence said: “The black colour is certainly counter-intuitive – most passengers think of white or pale colours with the ice cream. This may also help to distract passengers from their chaotic journey whilst also surprising them and playing into childlike nostalgia.”

Dr Spence added: “Travelling is a time when we’re under pressure and rushed, so eating well is often an afterthought. I’ve loved working with Monarch to use food – which can be a powerful psychological and physiological tool – to create the first ever real ‘happy’ meal to get travellers in the holiday mood as quickly as possible.”

Nils Christy, Chief Operating Officer at Monarch said: “We know how precious time on holiday is, so are delighted to be able to listen to our customers’ needs and trial the Monarch ‘Mood Food’ box this summer enabling more people to relax, feel good and start enjoying their holiday from the moment they get to the gate.”

The new menu is available now on a number of flights from Luton to Naples, Gibralatar and Malaga.