Virgin America among top U.S. carriers to offer low-calorie meal

Passengers booking Virgin America flights to domestic and international destinations have reason to celebrate.

The meals being provided to customers booking air tickets on Virgin America is getting more healthful.

Charles Platkin, a professor of nutrition at the City University of New York's Hunter College, gave the top ranking to Virgin America this year. Platkin had been testing and ranking airline foods regularly since 2000.

He said that California-based Virgin America had been offering low-calorie options to its customers. The low-calorie options being currently provided include oatmeal, roasted pear and arugula salad, and a “protein plate” with hummus and whole wheat pita bread for breakfast. The airline was given 41/4 stars out of a maximum of five stars.

Among other U.S. carriers to get good scores in providing healthy food options included JetBlue Airways, US Airways, Delta Air Lines and Allegiant Air.