To ensure safer, more specialized meals, Korean Air partnered with the nutrition team at Inha University Hospital in February, spending six months developing new menus. The updated offerings reflect the latest clinical guidelines for managing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, with all recipes vetted by experts.
The revamped meals align with contemporary dietary trends, including low-glycemic, Mediterranean, and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets, balancing nutrition with improved flavor and visual appeal.
Each of Korean Air’s new therapeutic meals has been tailored to emphasize specific health benefits. Low-fat, diabetic, and low-calorie options reduce carbohydrate content while increasing vegetable portions to slow blood sugar spikes. These dishes incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables for antioxidant benefits and aesthetic appeal. Lean proteins like flounder and chicken thigh replace red meat to reduce saturated fat while maintaining flavor.
The gluten-free meal now uses rice flour instead of wheat flour for bread and soups, with ingredients clearly labeled for gluten content. Commercial products processed in facilities handling wheat are excluded to ensure safety for sensitive passengers.
The low-sodium meal limits total salt in sauces and seasonings to 1 gram (400 milligrams of sodium) per meal. Unsalted butter, vegetable oils, and aromatic herbs and vegetables enhance flavor without compromising health.
The lactose-free meal eliminates all dairy containing lactose, incorporating lactose-free alternatives. Notably, Korean Air has replaced soy milk in breakfast offerings with lactose-free Greek yogurt, a nod to recent consumer preferences.
These therapeutic meals cater to passengers with specific medical or nutritional needs and are available in first class, prestige class, and economy class. Requests must be made at least 24 hours before departure via Korean Air’s official website or customer service center.
“We’ve undertaken this overhaul to meet passengers’ health needs while ensuring the enjoyment of in-flight dining,” a Korean Air spokesperson said. “By expanding tailored menu options, we’re committed to elevating customer service.”
Sora Song, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
