Though flying with Air Canada may mean encountering extensive delays and not being allowed to use the bathroom, there is one thing you may be able to count on: half-decent airplane food which, as everyone knows, is a rarity.

A recent study of airline food in North America by the NYC Food Policy Center and non-profit DietDetective.com found that Air Canada and Alaska Airlines take the cake when it comes to healthy offerings. 

To some this might be surprising.

@aircanada flight 044 from Canada to New Delhi. we were served the worst food I literally felt like we it was some kind of food served out of a can all mashed up.

— shadow (@PRASHAT11789) November 19, 2019

The study assessed things like sodium levels and the number of calories and grams of macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats in an average dish. It also looked at water safety, eco-initiatives regarding the use of plastic utensils and whether airlines provided food during shorter flights.

And, it rated airlines based on how eager they were to be transparent about the nutritional information of the meals they offer, as well as their willingness to improve their menu items over time.

Air Canada and Alaska Airlines both received an overall health score of 4.0 out of 5, compared to companies like American Airlines and United, which both scored 2.7. Southwest came in last place, with a shocking 1.7 out of 5.

Yikes! This says a lot about the competition.

— Jean Clark 🇨🇦 (@jjclak) November 26, 2019

The main reasons Canada's national airline came out on top?

The recent addition of healthier options that contain more vegetables, like superfood salads and dishes by nutrition-conscious chain Freshii. Snacks like Greek yogurt, sushi and the company's "avocado smash box" also earned it some points.

The study did note that Air Canada ought to include nutrition information and ingredients lists on its in-flight menu and website.

Close to 16 hour flight and @AirCanada has no vegetarian option for food on their flight. SIXTEEN HOURS. Apparently I just blew money to starve. My connecting flight of 5.5 hours before had no veggie options either. RIDICULOUS.

— حفصة‎ (@AappanJee) November 21, 2019

Also, the airline was unfortunately not included in the groups' separate study focusing specifically on airline water quality — a survey that found that U.S. carriers generally offer passengers unhealthy drinking water.