Light Meal Stall at Southwest University of Political Science and Law's Beiyuan Canteen (Photo/Dai Xuelin)

Chongqing - Low-fat, low-salt meals are gaining traction in university canteens across China, appealing to health-conscious students with flexible and affordable options.

Since spring, universities in regions such as Beijing, Sichuan, and Anhui have introduced new light meal options in their campus canteens. Sichuan University launched a "Light Meal 2.0 Plus" version featuring nutrition information displayed at the counter to help students make informed choices. Shandong University introduced a series of "light meal boxes" that are available from vending machines. Harbin Medical University rolled out "smart plates" that display calorie, protein, and carbohydrate intake.

At Tiangong University, a new light meal stall opened in April, drawing over 300 purchases daily with a repurchase rate of more than 60%. Embracing a Chinese-style concept, it swaps Western cold salads for traditional options like pan-seared chicken breast and braised beef, paired with homemade sauces, making it a hit among students.

Light meals, national goals

According to the Chinese branch of Euromonitor, a British consulting company, about 70% of light meal consumers are female. The consumers are aged between 18 and 40, a demographic that includes a significant proportion of students and white-collar workers.

At Southwest University of Political Science and Law's Beiyuan Canteen, Bridging News spotted four light meal stalls, each run by a different vendor. These stalls attract the longest lines during peak hours, consistently outshining other cafeteria options.

Opened in 2023, the light meal stall is now the top seller at Beiyuan Canteen of the university, according to the stall manager, Ning Hua. "I've been following the feedback on the canteen's Xiaohongshu account, and overall, students seem quite satisfied with the stall".

The stall features a variety of fruits and vegetables, including corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, along with high-protein meat options. Students can customize their plates, priced at 12.8 yuan ($1.78) per 500 grams.

The stall's menu is developed with input from campus nutritionists. "Light meals emphasize health, balanced nutrition, and low calories," said Mou Yanling, manager of Beiyuan Canteen. "Our nutritionists focus on fresh ingredients, calorie control, and variety, while staying updated on food trends and student feedback to refine the menu."

Chen Wei, a student from the School of Politics and Public Administration at the university, said she opts for these light meals mainly to lose weight. "If I'm not very hungry or want a lighter dinner, light meals are perfect. They're rich in fiber and vitamins, which makes me feel healthier."

Mou said the idea for a light meal stall emerged about two years ago, when it became clear such options were popular among students. "With a mostly female student population on the campus, there's strong demand for low-oil, low-salt meals," she said.

The light meal stall at Beiyuan Canteen saw a peak of 643 meal purchases in one day and averages about 300 transactions daily, according to Mou. It contributes roughly 3.5% of the canteen's total revenue, above average for a single vendor.

Weight loss is no longer just a personal concern but a significant issue drawing national attention in China. According to the adult obesity dietary guidelines (2024) issued by the National Health Commission of China, 50.7% of the population is overweight or obese, with the combined rate expected to soar to 70.5% by 2030.

In June 2024, China's National Health Commission and 15 other departments launched the "Year of Weight Management" campaign, jointly issuing its implementation plan. The plan aims to establish supportive environments for weight management widely, boost public awareness and skills for achieving healthier lifestyles, and gain weight improvements in specific population groups over the next three years.

Growing competition in the market

The rise of light meal stalls on campus reflects a broader national push for healthier eating. But not everyone is convinced. Chen felt the light meals offered at her university were not very cost-effective, often priced higher than regular canteen fare.

In response, Mou explained that light meals use fresh, high-quality ingredients, some of which are costly. The preparation process also demands more labor, from cleaning to plating. With free self-serve sauces included, these factors contribute to higher costs. Still, she believes the price is reasonable, with most meals costing around 10 yuan per person.

Also, Ning acknowledged growing competition in the light meal market, both on and off campus. "Everyone wants a share of the pie," she said. "Since we serve students, cost-effectiveness is essential. The challenge is figuring out how to deliver the best value while keeping costs as low as possible."

For students like Wang Qian, who prefer bolder flavors, light meals often fall short. "Low-oil, low-salt dishes taste bland," she said. "Most of them are cold. I want hot rice and hot dishes."

To meet that demand, Ning's stall introduced heated options during winter—oven-baked dishes served in batches to keep them warm. "Leafy greens are a bit tricky, but we try to serve some items piping hot," she said. A microwave is also available for reheating.

Mou said customer fatigue with the menu is another challenge, which is why the stall regularly introduces new dishes. While the market remains strong, she noted, growing competition means long-term success will depend on quality, price, taste, and cost-effectiveness.

Campus vendors, she added, do have one advantage: they can quickly respond to student feedback and maintain high standards of food safety. "That," she said, "is where our strength lies."

(Dai Xuelin, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)