Guru Yogi Namak wears sunglasses, an orange turban and a kurta pyjama. Holding a metal water bottle in his left hand, he sits barefoot on a patterned carpet and looks blissful.
AI-driven, he is a character on a digital screen who has been designed to answer travellers’ wellness-related questions.
“Guru Yogi Namak is a fictional, original character,” explains Marc Warde*, Culinary and Special Meal Director at Foodcase International, which is behind the concept and product range.
“‘Namak’ means ‘salt’, so some of his responses might be a little bit salty,” he quips.
A collaborative approach
Developed in conjunction with Omnevo, Guru Yogi Namak can respond to both spoken and written questions. He provides advice to passengers on how to fly well, particularly on long-haul flights.
In conjunction with the AI interface, a range of products has been developed. They are designed to support travellers’ immune systems and minimise the negative, sometimes uncomfortable side-effects of long-haul travel. Those can include dehydration and bloating.
“Namaste, beautiful soul. I am Guru Yogi Namak, and I am here to guide your temple through this journey with wisdom and care,” says the AI-interface in a lilting accent. “Tell me, where does your journey find you today?”
I outline the route of my forthcoming journey and the issues that all-too-commonly dog me during long-haul flights. Guru Yogi Namak personalises a response and tailors product recommendations to help me arrive at my destination feeling tip-top. The suggestions include vitamins and hydration solutions.
Drink up
“We have developed a range of hydration drinks,” explains Warde. “Hydration is the most important thing when you fly. For every hour you fly, you should have about 500 millilitres of water. Our hydration powders have electrolytes, which, often, drinks are missing.”
A seven-day wellness course, featuring vitamin gummies, is available. It is ideal for supporting business travellers’ immune systems on long-haul trips. And lozenges have also been developed to help passengers counteract the effects of jet lag.
Containing zinc, magnesium, Vitamin C and honey, they are designed to be sucked throughout journeys and following arrival in a destination.
Food with benefits
Foodcase’s product range encompasses dark chocolate containing ashwagandha and sea salt. Ashwagandha is a shrub whose properties help counteract anxiety and sleeplessness.
Oat-free granola, with pear and pineapple, and a porridge, with papaya and pineapple, have been developed. The latter can be easily mixed with hot water. Both contain fibre that aids digestion, is good for gut health and helps minimise bloating during flights.
Additionally, flavourful broth helps boost immunity while helping to rehydrate passengers.
Meals containing turkey meat have also been developed. Warde explains that turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps people sleep: “It’s part of the reason why people get sleepy after Christmas lunch. On a plane, it’s a good thing to eat.”
The product range also includes bath salts that people can use when they reach their hotels. They contain magnesium, which helps people feel less anxious through its calming effects.
Guided by the guru
Herbal teas have also been specially blended. One with wild berries helps people feel relaxed. Another, called Tranquilistea, contains peach and elderflower, and helps its drinkers to feel sleepy.
Airport and airline apps could introduce Guru Yogi Namak to passengers seeking solutions to their varied needs. The product range then has the potential to be sold during flights or from vending machines in airports.
With passengers prioritising their wellbeing and treating their bodies like temples, Guru Yogi Namak’s recommendations may well find a willing public.
[*The interview with Marc Warde was conducted in September 2025.]
