UK travellers are increasingly opting for healthier food and drink options at airports , steering away from traditional alcoholic beverages, unhealthy snacks and full English breakfasts. Recent sales data from major UK airports, including London Stansted , Manchester, and East Midlands, highlights a growing trend towards non-alcoholic drinks, vegan meals , and gut-friendly products . One of the most notable changes is the surge in non-alcoholic beer sales.
Across the three airports, which are all owned by Manchester Aiports Group , sales of non-alcoholic beer have risen by 16.9 per cent compared to the previous year. This shift is most dramatic at London Stansted Airport, where Comptoir Libanais has reported a staggering 525 per cent increase in non-alcoholic beer sales year-on-year.
Similarly, Wetherspoons at Stansted has seen a 45 per cent increase in sales of alcohol-free beer, signaling a broader move away from traditional pints. The healthier choices trend extends beyond non-alcoholic beer. At Joe and The Juice in London Stansted, juice sales have surged 39 per cent compared to the previous year.
Another emerging trend is the growing interest in gut health. Across all three airports, products featuring the word ‘gut’ have seen a 102 per cent increase in sales year-on-year. WH Smiths reported a 33 per cent rise in transactions for gut health shots, particularly the Plenish Berry Gut Health Shot.
In coffee shops, non-dairy alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.