Chinese youth embrace 'human food' trend to simplify meals and save energy
'Human food' takes lying flat to new levels with batch-cooked frozen ingredients.
Chinese youth are taking the 'lying flat' (tang ping) lifestyle to new extremes with a trend called 'human food'—a meal preparation method that mimics how pet food is made. The practice involves batch-buying ingredients such as green peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, corn, beef, and shrimp, then chopping, cooking, and freezing them in individual component boxes. When hungry, practitioners scoop small portions from each box and microwave the mix, adding salt or other seasonings for flavor.
The trend has gone viral on Chinese social media as a way to minimize time and energy spent on daily cooking. Proponents argue it is nutritious, hassle-free, and perfectly aligned with the 'lying flat' philosophy of reducing life's demands. However, critics complain that defrosted meals taste bland and unappealing. This movement highlights how overwhelmed lifestyles are driving young people to seek extreme shortcuts in even the most basic routines, reflecting broader societal pressures to optimize every aspect of life.
- The term 'human food' is coined by analogy with dog and cat food, emphasizing simplicity and batch preparation.
- Practitioners buy, chop, cook, and freeze ingredients separately in boxes, then microwave portions as needed.
- Common ingredients include salad staples like broccoli, mushrooms, corn, beef, and shrimp, seasoned simply with salt.
Why It Matters
This trend reveals how overwhelmed Chinese youth prioritize efficiency over culinary pleasure, reflecting broader work-life imbalances.