Every office lunch order now has the same question: what about the people who do not eat meat? Some colleagues are vegetarian or vegan, some avoid meat for health reasons, and some simply want a lighter option. Ordering a separate dish for each of them is slow and often ends with a forgotten plate.
Meat alternatives solve much of this. Plant-based burgers, nuggets, mince, sausages and classic options such as falafel can be served to everyone, heated in an office kitchen, and stored in a freezer for weeks. This guide explains how to use them well.
What counts as a meat alternative
The category covers more than the well-known plant-based burger:
- Plant-based burgers and patties. Usually based on pea, soy or wheat protein. Good for lunch events and team barbecues.
- Nuggets, strips and bites. Easy to heat in an oven or air fryer and popular at informal events.
- Plant-based mince and sausages. Better for kitchens where someone actually cooks, such as a staff canteen or a team that runs its own lunch club.
- Falafel, lentil and chickpea patties. Familiar across the region, often cheaper, and naturally plant-based.
- Tofu and tempeh. Higher protein and very versatile, but they need preparation.
Our meat alternatives range covers ready-to-heat options that suit an office kitchen.
Where they fit in an office
Meat alternatives work best in a few specific situations:
- Team lunches and lunch-and-learns. One plant-based main that everyone can eat simplifies the order. The lunch and learn catering guide explains how to plan these sessions.
- Outdoor events and barbecues. Plant-based patties grill well alongside other options. Use separate tongs and a separate area of the grill.
- Offsites and workshops. See the offsite and workshop catering guide for quantities.
- Staff fridges and freezers. A few frozen packs give staff a quick, high-protein lunch on busy days.
They are less useful for everyday snacking. For that, nuts and seeds, yogurt and hummus remain simpler.
Halal, allergens and labels
In the UAE, two checks matter before anything goes on the menu:
- Halal. Plant-based does not automatically mean halal-certified. Some products use flavourings or processing aids that need checking, and some are made on lines shared with other products. Buy from suppliers who can confirm certification. The halal compliance guide explains what to look for.
- Allergens. Many meat alternatives contain soy, wheat (gluten) or, less often, nuts or sesame. Label every dish clearly. The allergen and dietary labelling guide shows how. If colleagues have coeliac disease, check the gluten-free pantry guide before ordering wheat-based products.
Storage and heating in an office kitchen
Most meat alternatives come frozen or chilled. A few rules keep them safe and tasting right:
- Keep frozen products frozen until the day of use. An office freezer drawer is usually enough for one or two events.
- Defrost in the fridge, not on the counter, if the instructions call for it.
- Heat thoroughly following the pack instructions. An oven or air fryer gives a better result than a microwave for burgers and nuggets.
- Use separate utensils and trays from meat products.
- Do not refreeze once defrosted.
The food safety rules guide covers the general rules for food handled in an office.
How much to order
For a lunch event where a plant-based main is one of two options, a useful starting point is:
| Event | Plant-based share | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed team lunch | 30 to 40% of mains | 1 burger or 5 to 6 nuggets |
| Vegetarian-heavy team | 50% or more | Same, plus extra sides |
| Barbecue | 25 to 30% of patties | 1 to 2 patties |
Then add sides that everyone eats: salads, bread, cut vegetables and fruit, and drinks. Track what is left after the first two events and adjust.
Building a balanced plant-based plate
A plant-based burger on its own is not a complete lunch. Pair it with:
- A salad or crudités. The salads and crudités guide covers supply.
- Wholegrain bread or wraps. See the bread and wraps guide.
- A plant-based dairy option for drinks or sauces from the dairy and plant-based milk range.
- Water or a low-sugar drink.
For offices going further, the plant-based pantry and catering guide covers a full plant-based offer.
Who orders meat alternatives
We see the most interest from creative and knowledge-based teams: media and creative agencies in Dubai Media City and Dubai Design District, education and training teams in Dubai Knowledge Park, and consultancies that run frequent client workshops. But any office that orders lunch for a mixed team can benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plant-based meat alternatives halal? Not automatically. Plant-based products can still contain flavourings or be made on shared lines that need checking. Buy products whose halal certification the supplier can confirm.
What is the best meat alternative for an office lunch? Ready-to-heat plant-based burgers or nuggets work well for team lunches because they are quick to heat in an oven or air fryer and most people will eat them. Falafel is a cheaper, familiar option across the region.
How should meat alternatives be stored in an office? Keep frozen products in the freezer until the day of use, defrost in the fridge if the pack says so, heat thoroughly and never refreeze once defrosted. Use separate trays and utensils from meat.
Do meat alternatives contain allergens? Many contain soy or wheat, and some contain nuts or sesame. Label every dish clearly and check the gluten content if colleagues have coeliac disease.
How many plant-based portions should we order for a team lunch? For a mixed team, plan for about 30 to 40% of the mains to be plant-based, then adjust after the first few events based on what is left over.
Can My Healthy Office deliver meat alternatives with our pantry order? Yes. Our meat alternatives range can be added to the same delivery as coffee, fruit, snacks and drinks.
