From grilled chicken avocado bowls to protein wraps, UAE employees are increasingly turning to healthier meal options during the workday, with salads officially topping delivery apps for work's list of most ordered corporate meals.

According to experts, choosing nutrient-rich meals helps workers stay alert and refreshed for longer periods, improving focus and energy.

For Sarah Ahmed, a marketing executive in Dubai, switching to healthy bowls and salads at lunch was a game-changer, which started a year ago.“I used to think healthy food would be boring or leave me hungry,” she said.

“But since I started ordering healthier options, I feel full but lighter in the afternoons. It's easier to stay productive without feeling sluggish or weighed down.”

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She added,“I used to feel my energy drop around 2pm every day. I wanted to go home early or even take a quick nap. My brain felt foggy even when I had a good night's sleep.”

Nutrition expert Dr Layla Hamid explained this well-being boost:“Eating balanced, nutrient-dense meals during work hours helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which reduces energy crashes and improves cognitive function. Healthy food choices can significantly improve productivity and mood, helping fight the mid-day slump many employees experience.”

Data from Deliveroo, an online food delivery app confirmed a noticeable shift in office dining habits across the UAE. According to Francis Henderson, Head of Deliveroo for Work Middle East, this trend began gaining momentum after the pandemic.

“We started noticing the shift post-Covid, as workplaces reopened and employees became more conscious of their food choices,” Henderson said.“There's been a global move towards healthier eating, driven by awareness of the link between diet and wellbeing, as well as environmental concerns. Our corporate clients increasingly opt for salads, fresh bowls, and wellness-focused items, moving away from highly processed foods.”

The change is driven by a combination of employee demand and employer initiatives. Henderson said,“Employees are actively seeking healthier options, while companies are prioritising staff health by encouraging nutritious choices and supporting wellbeing programmes. The UAE's broader health campaigns are also creating a positive culture around wellness.”

Younger employees, especially Gen Z, are at the forefront of this transformation.“Gen Z, now about 25 per cent of the workforce, strongly emphasise purpose and wellbeing in every aspect of life, including food. They're very discerning about what they consume and want options that align with their values. Millennials share these preferences, but it's Gen Z driving the shift with a sharper focus,” Henderson added.

The most popular orders reflect this demand: chicken teriyaki salads, chicken avocado bowls, tuna wraps, corn and kale mixes, and shish tawook dishes top the charts.

Beyond main meals, offices are also stocking low-sugar snacks and wellness products. Humantra electrolyte sachets and fresh fruit baskets have surged in popularity, signalling a holistic approach to workplace health.

Is this a temporary fad or a lasting change? Henderson believed the latter.“Healthy habits are here to stay. While treats remain part of office life, wellness isn't a passing trend. Employees now have more access to information and better food options than ever before. This awareness is shaping a long-term culture where balanced eating becomes the norm.”

However, ordering habits vary by industry and company size.“Tech, consultancies, finance, and legal sectors lead in healthy ordering,” Henderson said.“Some companies offer weekly set meals, others host team buffets, and some give employees full freedom to order daily. The approach depends on company culture and how they see food fitting into workplace wellbeing.”

For employees like Sarah, the change is already personal and impactful.“Choosing healthier meals has improved my energy and focus during the day,” she said.

“It was the beginning of me becoming more aware of how I treat my body. Once I broke the cycle of eating junk at work, it reflected in my eating habits at home, my snacking choices, and even my exercise routine. It's no longer just about food; it's part of how I take care of myself at work.”

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