Chinese Families Reassess Pre-Made Meals for Lunar New Year Amid Food Quality Concerns

As the 2026 Lunar New Year approaches, families across China are re-evaluating their choices regarding pre-made meals for reunion dinners, a traditional centerpiece of Spring Festival celebrations. This shift in consumer behavior follows a significant controversy involving a prominent food influencer and a national restaurant chain, which has raised concerns about food transparency and quality. Many households are now exercising caution, particularly as they aim to make their reunion dinners more special and meaningful.

South China Morning Post

The controversy has led to a broader discussion about trust and regulation within China's rapidly expanding prepared food industry. Ma Shuai, a sales manager from Henan province, expressed his ambivalence, stating, “I work all year round overtime and do eat pre-made food quite often, but it always feels cheap and not refined.” He further emphasized that he would not consider serving any pre-made dish at his reunion dinner, highlighting a growing sentiment among consumers who prioritize quality during this significant family gathering.

South China Morning Post

The Lunar New Year dinner is often likened to Christmas dinners in Western cultures, regarded as the most important meal of the year for many Chinese families. This cultural significance drives families to allocate more resources towards creating a memorable dining experience. The recent scandal has prompted a reevaluation of what constitutes a worthy meal for such a pivotal occasion, with many opting for home-cooked dishes over pre-made options.

South China Morning Post

In light of the ongoing concerns, industry experts and food safety regulators are being called upon to enhance transparency and quality standards in the prepared food sector. The scandal has ignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations to ensure consumer safety and trust in food products.

South China Morning Post

Critics argue that the prepared food industry must do more to regain consumer confidence. The backlash against pre-made meals is seen as a reflection of deeper issues regarding food safety and quality assurance in China. Many consumers are advocating for clearer labeling and better oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.

South China Morning Post

As the Lunar New Year approaches, it remains to be seen how the prepared food industry will respond to these challenges. Consumers are likely to continue prioritizing quality and transparency, which may lead to significant changes in purchasing behaviors and industry practices in the coming years.

South China Morning Post

• “I work all year round overtime and do eat pre-made food quite often, but it always feels cheap and not refined,” — Ma Shuai, Sales Manager from Henan.

South China Morning Post