A viral trend on TikTok,dubbed “human kibble,” has sparked considerable discussion regarding the concept of one-bowl nutrition for people. This practice involves preparing a large batch of chopped, cooked, and often unseasoned whole foods designed to last for an entire week. The term“kibble,”historically associated with pellet-like pet food since the early 20th century, is now being applied to human diets, prompting questions about its feasibility and long-term implications.

The originator of this trend, TikTok creator @myfoodisme2, shared a popular video in January 2025 detailing his diet over the past five years. His regimen consists of unflavored chopped vegetables, chicken breast, tofu, grains, and legumes, all mixed together in a large serving bowl. He claims this concoction, which visually resembles animal feed, provides essential whole foods and simplifies his daily nutrition, inspiring numerous other users to adopt similar eating habits.

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Proponents of human kibble highlight several advantages. Nutritionally, the mixture often includes a wide array of whole foods; for instance, @myfoodisme2's dish contains 19 different whole foods. Emma Laing, PhD, RDN, and a national spokesperson for theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics,applauds meal patterns that encourage the consumption of vegetables and fiber-rich beans, which are often under-consumed in the U.S. Laing notes that if this trend encourages people to incorporate new foods into their diet, it could effectively add variety and fill nutrient gaps.

Furthermore, the practice of finely chopping and mixing vegetables can be an effective strategy to increase consumption for picky eaters or those who initially dislike certain tastes and textures, as@myfoodisme2 himself found before adopting this method.

Another significant benefit is the simplification of meal planning. Regularly prepping a large-batch, one-dish meal eliminates the need for complex daily meal decisions, conserving mental energy. Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, owner of One Pot Wellness, suggests this can help individuals consistently meet specific nutritional goals, such as macro ratios or calorie counts. The predictability of human kibble can also offer comfort to those with dietary restrictions or food-related anxiety.

However, dietitians and experts also point out several potential pitfalls. A primary concern is boredom; unlike pets, humans generally crave more variety in their diet, and eating the same mixture repeatedly could lead to dissatisfaction. To counteract this, Laing recommends rotating through a diverse range of ingredients with each meal prep, including different whole grains, legumes, seafood, spices, and healthy oils like extra virgin olive oil, to improve both palatability and nutrient diversity.

Another critical aspect is the lack of seasoning, particularly salt. Chun emphasizes that active individuals require sufficient sodium, which is lost through sweat. Omitting salt or other flavoring blends could lead to electrolyte deficiencies and an imbalanced diet. Food safety and storage are also practical concerns; while @myfoodisme2'sbowl appears to contain a week's worth of food, the USDA advises refrigerating leftovers for a maximum of four days to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

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Beyond the physical aspects, the psychological impact of framing meals as “kibble” is a concern. Chun highlights that the language used around food is important, stating, “Calling meals ‘kibble’ can make eating feel mechanical, which isn’t a healthy mindset.” Experts also caution that while cooking ingredients to safe temperatures makes human kibble not inherently dangerous, it might not provide enough calories for individuals with higher energy needs, such as athletes. Furthermore, any sudden change in eating patterns, including adopting human kibble, could cause digestive discomfort.

Ultimately, while food serves as fuel, it is also a profound source of culture, connection, and enjoyment. Laing concludes that while some individuals may find contentment in eating similar meals daily, most people require a more varied and flexible approach to feel truly satisfied and nourished. Therefore, while human kibble offers convenience and nutrient density, its potential drawbacks concerning variety, seasoning, food safety, and the psychological relationship with food warrant careful consideration.