Delicious Numbers: The Amount of Chocolates Consumed by Emirates Passengers on Flights

As we prepare to observe World Chocolate Day on July 7, Emirates has already begun to sweeten the festivities, announcing a significant rise in chocolate consumption among passengers across all flight classes. In the last year, travelers have savored over 60 million pieces of artisanal chocolate—an increase of 2 million compared to the previous year.

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From exquisite pralines to decadent dessert creations, chocolate has become a quintessential element of Emirates’ “Fly Better” experience.

The airline’s inflight dining service includes an extensive range of high-quality chocolates on flights to 140 destinations worldwide, as highlighted in a recent media report.

Chocolate Consumption Statistics

In anticipation of the global chocolate celebration, Emirates shared interesting data: Economy Class passengers consumed 36.6 million chocolates, while the newly launched Premium Economy class enjoyed 1.06 million pieces. Business Class travelers indulged in 9.1 million chocolates, and First Class guests, who receive gourmet boxes with unlimited selections, savored the equivalent of 13.4 million chocolates from 122,000 large gift boxes.

International Treats and Local Delights

To ensure a fresh and diverse selection, Emirates updates its chocolate offerings every six months. The current lineup features acclaimed chocolatiers such as Valrhona from France, Neuhaus and Canonica from Belgium, alongside homegrown brand Coco Jalila from Dubai.

The selection process considers various factors, including cocoa types (dark, milk, white), forms (bonbons, pralines, truffles), and fillings (ganache, fruit), as well as textures, flavor profiles, customer preferences, and sustainable sourcing practices.

A Chocolate Extravaganza in the Air

Emirates also showcases its chocolate offerings through an array of dessert options on board:

• First Class: Options include warm chocolate fondant served with raspberry coulis, a pistachio and chocolate mousse cake, and a vegan tart adorned with apricot compote and vanilla quenelle.
• Business Class: Featured desserts consist of a banana mango and milk chocolate dome, a vegan onyx avocado tart, and a mocha marquise slice with salted caramel.
• Premium Economy: Diners can enjoy a chocolate mousse cake filled with passion fruit and topped with strawberry sauce.
• Economy Class: Passengers can finish their meals with a traditional chocolate mousse complemented by crème anglaise.

On routes that span longer distances, chocolate bars are made available in snack trays, and festive occasions often bring chocolate lollipops for children. Additionally, the First Class goodie baskets feature Lindt’s 85% dark chocolate, while the A380 Onboard Lounge provides self-serve chocolate options, including mini treats, chocolate cake, and M&Ms.

Chocolate Offerings in Emirates Lounges

The celebration of chocolate extends beyond the aircraft. Emirates’ premium lounges at Dubai International Airport present a variety of chocolate-themed delights:

• Signature Costa Coffee hot chocolate
• Homemade Emirates chocolate ice cream
• Desserts crafted by MasterChefs, exclusive to Emirates lounges

In the First Class Lounge, travelers can indulge in:

• Sacher cake (an Austrian chocolate torte filled with apricot jam)
• Chocolate and pistachio kunafa
• White chocolate ganache cake with strawberry and hibiscus
• The show-stopping Marveille cake featuring hazelnut praline, mousse, and crunchy meringue, finished with fleur de sel

Business Class Lounge offerings include:

• A chocolate chou, an airy pastry filled with chocolate crème pâtissier
• A hazelnut crunchie consisting of layers of mousse, sponge, and praline

For those interested in plant-based options, a rich vegan chocolate brownie made from dairy-free chocolate chips and cocoa is also available.

Dubai: An Emerging Chocolate Capital

The noticeable rise in chocolate consumption onboard signifies not only Emirates’ commitment to premium service but also highlights Dubai’s growing status as a center for chocolate and culinary excellence. With local brands like Coco Jalila achieving international acclaim, the city is establishing itself as a notable player in the gourmet chocolate landscape.

As World Chocolate Day draws near, Emirates is already partaking in the festivities—one delightful bite at a time, at 35,000 feet and beyond.