In a significant trend highlighted by recent Deliveroo data, UAE office workers are increasingly opting for salads over traditional lunch options. This shift reflects evolving culinary preferences among corporate employees, who are now prioritizing not just taste but also health and convenience in their midday meals.
Salads have emerged as the most-ordered items among corporate clients utilizing Deliveroo for Work, according to new insights from the food delivery platform’s corporate solution.
This transformation indicates a changing landscape of workplace food choices in the UAE, where employees are leaning towards dishes like chicken salad with teriyaki, corn and kale salad, chicken avocado bowls, tuna wraps, and shish tawook instead of conventional office lunch fare.
Popular restaurant partners including KCal, Bowlful, Salata, Joe & The Juice, Kababji Grill, and Common Grounds have reported a surge in demand for fresh, quality meals from corporate customers. This growing preference aligns with a broader shift towards healthier eating habits.
A survey conducted by Deliveroo for Work found that 60 percent of employees view free or subsidized meals as a crucial component of workplace satisfaction, ranking it just after medical and dental benefits, and slightly ahead of gym memberships. The findings underline the growing importance placed on meal provisions in company culture.
The increase in lunch salad orders coincides with the rising living costs for rent, groceries, and dining out in the UAE. Office meals not only serve as attractive perks but also provide practical cost-saving options for employees navigating these challenges.
Gen Z workers, who currently account for approximately 25 percent of the global workforce, are largely driving changes in workplace expectations. Having entered the job market during the era of remote work and global uncertainty, this generation prioritizes purpose, well-being, and inclusion within their workplaces.
UAE Workers Choose Healthier Lunch Options
With a notable emphasis on health, many employees are now favoring salads that are both nutritious and convenient. AON, a global professional services firm that specializes in risk, health, and human capital solutions, recently reported that 81 percent of employers recognize the need to adapt benefits to remain competitive, with food options emerging as a vital offering.
“Salads have become a go-to for today’s office crowd, not just because they’re healthy, but because they strike the right balance between nourishment, convenience, and satisfaction. In a work culture where people want to eat clean without compromising on flavor or time, salads have evolved into vibrant, filling meals that fuel focus and productivity. At Deliveroo for Work, we’re seeing this shift firsthand: a growing appetite for food that’s good for the body and fits seamlessly into the rhythm of a busy day. We’re proud to help businesses across the UAE offer food options that energize teams and make workplace well-being part of everyday culture,” stated Francis Henderson, Head of Deliveroo for Work Middle East.
Modern offices are increasingly incorporating wellness-oriented grocery items such as fresh fruit baskets and low-sugar, low-trans-fat snacks. Additionally, products like Humantra electrolyte sachets have gained popularity, further demonstrating the UAE’s burgeoning interest in health-centric workplace offerings.
Deliveroo for Work provides tailored meal solutions, allowing businesses to implement customized allowances, group ordering, and catering for events. This platform offers companies a streamlined corporate account that promotes team cohesion, rewards employees, and simplifies administrative tasks.
By positioning food as one of the most effective tools for cultivating company culture and retaining talent in a competitive job market, Deliveroo for Work recognizes the importance of adaptability, especially as workplace flexibility remains a priority for younger employees.