Western Meal Prep Takes China by Storm: A Generational Shift in Dietary Preferences

A recent trend in China shows a surprising shift in dietary preferences among young people. Instead of embracing traditional Chinese cuisine, many are opting for Western-style meal prep, viewing it as a healthier choice. This trend, highlighted in a recent TikTok video by Jimmy Maio, shows the popularity of pre-packaged meals featuring ingredients like chicken breast, broccoli, and eggs. These meals are seen as cleaner and containing less oil compared to traditional Chinese dishes, which often involve complex flavors and lengthy preparation. "Many people in China see American-style food as extremely healthy," says Maio in his video. While this trend is more pronounced among younger people, older generations still largely prefer traditional Chinese food. This demonstrates the evolving relationship between food culture and health consciousness across generations and cultures.