If the thought of flying has you reaching for the nearest sleeping pill, tumbler of vodka and hand to squeeze, take a deep breath because help is on the way.

Low-cost airline Monarch has teamed up with Oxford University's Professor Charles Spence (who has worked with renowned chef Heston Blumenthal on numerous food inventions - to create a menu of airline food specifically designed to enhance your mood mid-flight.

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Referred to as 'mood food', the menu is currently being trialled and, according to The Telegraph, stars with a plate of echinacea and liquorice ice cream which aims to boost a traveller's immune system and take their attention of their flight.

'The black colour [of the ice cream] is certainly counter-intuitive – most passengers think of white or pale colours with the ice cream,' Professor Spence told publication.

'This may also help to distract passengers from their chaotic journey whilst also surprising them and playing into childlike nostalgia,' he added.

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Next up on the menu are rice cakes flavoured with lavender - claimed to help with relaxation - and green tea which, as we all know, is full of antioxidants to assist with jet lag.

If that's not enough, a bespoke blend of herbal tea will also served during the flight to prevent bloating (more tips on how to prevent in-flight bloating here), a seaweed biscuit with umami-notes, and a caramelised nut bar coated in umami-rich mushroom and tomato powder to help passengers re-fresh their senses before they land.

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Professor Spence explained: 'Reduced air pressure, dry cabin air, and engine noise all inhibit taste perception, but umami is the only one of the basic tastes that manages to cut through these barriers, which is why so many passengers order a tomato juice or Bloody Mary on-board.

'Using umami tastes alongside our other flavour combinations will be comforting and satisfying for passengers,' he added.

Gone are the days of bangers and mash in tinfoil packets with a side of bread and cold butter. Now is the time for umami-rich mushroom, green tea and lavender rice cakes.

Sit back, tuck in, and relax.

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Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.