Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major hub, and for many, a frequent stop. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer, navigating the airport's dining options can be overwhelming. But don't worry, eating healthy while traveling is possible! With over 85 venues, there are options for everyone. This guide breaks down the healthy food options at Denver Airport by concourse, offering tips for packing your own snacks and making smart choices when you're on the go.
Pre-Security Dining
If you arrive at the airport early or are waiting for someone, you have the opportunity to grab a bite before heading through security. Here are a few options:
- Caribou Coffee: Offers fair trade organic coffee, specialty drinks, fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt cups, and bottled beverages. It's a convenient stop for a sustainable caffeine boost.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Serves hot, fresh brews, and a selection of quick, tasty grab-and-go items.
Concourse A: A World of Flavors
Concourse A hosts many airlines, especially international flights. Here are some healthy options.
- Caribou Coffee: Offers fair trade organic coffee, specialty drinks, fresh pastries, fruit, yogurt cups, and bottled beverages. It's a convenient stop for a sustainable caffeine boost.
- The Bindery: The second location of chef Linda Hampsten Fox’s eclectic seasonal fare and super fresh pastries. The restaurant offers sit down service, to-go meals, and a full bar.
- City Pho: Serves up Vietnamese favorites with a fresh, modern spin. From comforting bowls of pho to flavorful banh mi to vermicelli noodle bowls, every dish is made in-house with high-quality ingredients.
- Olive & Finch: Open 24 hours, this kiosk offers fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and cold-pressed juices.
- Tocabe: Offers a fresh and modern take on Native American cuisine featuring ingredients straight from the source such as bison, wild rice, and blue corn.
Concourse B: United Territory
Concourse B primarily serves United Airlines.
- Aviano Coffee: Serves up expertly crafted drinks including cappuccinos, lattes, nitro cold brew, and matcha infusions, plus specialty items featuring Askinosie Chocolate
- Etai's Bakery Cafe: Find a variety of fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and more.
- Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh: Brings fresh, flavorful Middle Eastern staples to travelers with dishes like falafel, hummus, pita, and Greek salads. They also offer breakfast items like Greek yogurt parfaits and build-your-own egg bowls.
- Heidi's Brooklyn Deli: Grab a sandwich where East Coast flavors mesh with Denver sensibilities.
- Juice Journey: Get smoothies, fresh juices, fruit-topped bowls, and protein-packed bites made with real, whole ingredients.
Concourse C: Diverse and Delicious
Concourse C hosts domestic airlines including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Contour Airlines, Southern Airways Express, and Southwest Airlines.
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- Big Bowl: Serves fresh Asian dishes like pad Thai and customizable stir-fries using high-quality meats and local produce.
- Root Down: Blends retro design, sustainable practices, and bold, globally inspired flavors made with local, organic ingredients.
- Juice Journey: Get smoothies, fresh juices, fruit-topped bowls, and protein-packed bites made with real, whole ingredients.
- Starbucks: Serves all the Starbucks favorites, including specialty coffee, tea, breakfast pastries, baked goods, sandwiches, fruit, and salads.
- Thrive Restaurant Group: This is the only place in the airport to get made-to-order Brazilian açaí bowls, gourmet toasts, salads, sandwiches, and organic juices.
- Teavana: This is the place to get ethically sourced teas, specialty coffee, and artisan products in a calm take-out setting.
- Freshens: Freshens offers food inspired by fresh ingredients and is best known for their blended smoothies and frozen yogurt. Gluten free and vegetarian options are abundant. Freshens shares DEN’s value of sustainability and has committed to compostable packaging.
Planning Ahead: Packing Your Own Healthy Snacks
One of the best ways to ensure you have healthy options while traveling is to pack your own snacks. This saves money and helps you stick to your dietary goals. Remember TSA guidelines: solid food is allowed, but liquids must be 3 oz or less.
Here are some healthy snacks to pack:
- Individual packets of hummus or nut butter (less than 3 oz)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, etc.)
- Whole wheat crackers, air-popped popcorn, nuts, homemade trail mix, homemade granola
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Energy bars (GoMacro bars)
- Dehydrated fruits (Bare Snacks apple chips)
- Sandwiches (PB&J)
- Wraps (sprouted grain tortilla with hummus, avocado, and veggies)
- Pre-made salads (Grapefruit Avocado Salad)
If packing meat or cheese, use a mini frozen ice pack to keep it cold. Always pack extra snacks in case of delays.
Smart Choices at the Airport: What to Buy
If you don't have time to pack snacks, don't worry. Denver Airport has plenty of options.
Breakfast:
- Look for coffee shops like Starbucks or Caribou Coffee that offer plain oatmeal with fruit and nuts.
- Avoid high-fat options like sausage or bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits.
Snacks:
- You can buy the same types of snacks you would pack (nuts, fruit, energy bars), but be prepared to pay a higher price.
- Consider Greek yogurt for a protein-rich snack.
Lunch/Dinner:
- Many airports offer make-your-own salads or sandwiches. Choose whole-grain bread, limit mayonnaise and cheese, and add plenty of veggies and lean protein.
- Look for Mexican-style restaurants with burrito bowls (rice, grilled veggies, beans, and lean protein).
Beware of "Healthy" Foods
Be cautious of foods marketed as "healthy." Some smoothies, energy bars, and trail mixes are loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats. Always read the labels. For example, some airport displays boast "Healthy Snacks" but are filled with processed bars containing corn syrup, fructose, and yogurt coating with added sugar. You're better off buying a banana and a bag of nuts. Some airport smoothie joints rely on concentrated fruit juices, frozen yogurt/sorbet, and little to no veggies.
Stay Active
Traveling involves a lot of sitting. Take advantage of stairs instead of escalators and walk instead of using moving walkways. During layovers, walk down the hallways between flights and stretch. Some airports have yoga rooms for stretching and movement.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption
Flying can increase your risk of dehydration due to low humidity. Alcohol is dehydrating, which can lead to headaches, fatigue, and prolonged jet lag.
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