The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) recently returned to London’s ExCeL Centre, serving as a global stage for the latest innovations in the food and beverage sector.
For the onboard hospitality industry, the event provides a scouting ground for products that balance flavour and premium quality with the demands of travel catering.
We sought out some of the top gut-health beverages and lightweight, nutrient-dense snacks, reflecting a clear shift toward functional, “clean-label” options that cater to the health-conscious traveller.
Our top five standout F&B finds from IFE
Hungry Monkey: Freeze-dried chocolate banana snacks
New-on-the-scene brand Hungry Monkey is elevating the fruit-snack category with its innovative freeze-dried bananas coated in chocolate.
Unlike traditional dried fruit, the freeze-drying process preserves the nutritional integrity and shape of the banana while creating a unique, airy crunch. This makes it a lightweight option for aviation in particular.
The snacks are designed with a “clean label” ethos, offering a sweet treat that feels less processed for passengers. The combination of real fruit and quality chocolate could fit well into premium snack boxes, or as a retail item for buy-on-board.
Datekin: Premium date portions
Focusing on the “power of the date”, Datekin offers quality, sustainably-sourced dates in convenient, small-format packaging. These packs are designed to meet the growing demand for functional, single-ingredient snacks that provide a natural energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars. They are naturally vegan, gluten-free and rich in fibre.
From an operational perspective, Datekin’s small packets are a versatile addition to the galley. They are well-sized for Business Class snack baskets or as a healthy accompaniment to a tea and coffee service.
Hip Pop: Gut-health focused beverages
Hip Pop is bringing sophisticated, functional drinking to the skies with its range of canned kombuchas and “living” sodas. As passengers become increasingly health-conscious, Hip Pop offers a low-sugar, probiotic-rich alternative to traditional soft drinks. Their flavour profiles – such as Ginger and Apple or Elderflower – are complex and refreshing, performing well even in the pressurised environment of a cabin.
The 330ml canned format is tailor-made for onboard trolleys, being easy to stack, chill and recycle. For airlines looking to enhance their “wellness” credentials, Hip Pop serves as both a standalone health drink and a high-quality, alcohol-free mixer for premium cabins.
Bee More: Natural energy drinks
Bee More is disrupting the energy drink market by moving away from synthetic taurine and artificial stimulants. Instead, they utilise the natural power of honey and botanical ingredients to provide sustained focus and hydration. This approach is particularly appealing for long-haul passengers looking to combat jet lag without the jitters associated with traditional energy cans.
The brand’s commitment to bee conservation and sustainability adds a strong CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) story that resonates with modern travelers. For onboard hospitality providers, Bee More represents a functional beverage that aligns with the industry’s shift toward clean-label and ethically sourced products.
Primadeli: Mediterranean olive twists
Novel Foods’ Primadeli brand brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the snack tray with its savoury Olive Twists. Already onboard a handful of airlines, these traditional Greek pastry snacks are crafted using wheat flour and real olives. The rich, salty flavour profile is designed to remain prominent at high altitudes.
These twists are an excellent solution for savoury snack boxes or as a bar snack in premium lounges and cabins. Their sturdy texture ensures they hold up well during transport and handling.
