Top 10 Healthy Foods in Anime [Best Recommendations]

There are many foods in Japan that are healthy and appealing. Sometimes anime makes these foods seem even more delectable than the real thing. Rather than stopping for some greasy fast food, it would be much more appealing to go with the healthier and better tasting option. Food is not only necessary for life and nutrition but also for a palatable way to pass the time.

Below we have listed the top 10 healthy foods in anime. Not only because we encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle but also because these foods look gosh darn good. Animation makes food look extra appealing so in this list we have compiled the most delicious foods that will have you drooling by the end.


10. Hamburger Steak from Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori (Yotsuiro Biyori)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: April 2018- June 2018

Running a tea shop may seem boring, but for Gure, Sui, Tokitaka and Tsubaki, it is their passion. They bond by helping people with their individual problems while creating a welcoming environment for all their customers. With the epitome of customer service, these men help their customers and each other achieve their wildest dreams.

Hamburger steak may not seem like the healthiest meal on its own, however, it does contain a fair amount of protein. Served with the broccoli, carrots and other vegetables that are displayed on this dish, it makes for a perfectly well-balanced meal. In western culture, hamburger steak is usually served with fries or some other greasier option, but this eastern spin on it is a much healthier and tastier way to go.


9. Food Baskets from Hataraku Saibou (Cells At Work)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: July 2018- Currently Airing as of September 2018

Watching a show about science probably isn’t your idea of fun. However, Cells At Work brings to you an entertaining way of learning about anatomy. Taking place in the cells of a human body, we can see a rough idea of how they interact and can entertain the fact that it can be make relatable to our daily lives. Cells At Work is a show that you will not regret watching as it is highly entertaining and brings you pure entertainment (with a hint of science of course).

While the food baskets in this show were not super clear, given the fact that they were made to sustain a human body is more than enough assurance for us that they contained some highly healthy items. Between bowls of soup and baskets of vegetables, the cells can maintain a healthy human body.


8. Okayu from Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)

  • Episodes: 1
  • Aired: July 1997

When the Emishi people are attached by an angry demon, Ashitaka knows that it is his duty to protect his village and find the root of the problem. Ashitaka ventures through an enchanted forest and into Iron Town where there is a fierce battle between the humans and the forest spirits. He seeks to find a neutral ground in this fight but sees the clear path that he must take. With demons, spirits and a wolf girl, Ashitaka’s journey is none too easy but the path that he takes is noble and he must fight for what he believes in at all costs.

Okayu is a sort of rice porridge that is popular in Japan. As Ashitaka travels to Iron town, he makes a stop along the way with a stranger. The two bond over their okayu while sharing stories of older times. Often used when people aren’t feeling well, this mixture of water and rice is easy to digest and a healthy way to fill yourself up. Perfect for any rainy day, this Japanese dish is the perfect alternative to chicken soup in western culture.


7. Onigiri from Fruits Basket

  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: July 2001- December 2001

Tooru is on her own from a young age and forced to live in a tent in the forest. However, she is not dejected in the least as her spirits are always high. She soon comes to find a house with 3 relatives. After moving in, she finds that these are no ordinary relatives but actually reincarnations of the creatures of the zodiac. She must learn to navigate love, school and work to stay in this house that has more than a few family feuds.

As Tooru is in charge of the majority of the cooking, there are many foods that are portrayed in this anime. A special snack that she makes is known as onigiri which is Japanese sticky rice in the shape of a triangle. It is often filled with fish or pickled plum (although the filler varieties are endless). It also has a bit of seaweed that makes it easily handled. This Japanese snack is perfect for those that are on the go or that need a simple pick me up.


6. Miso Soup from Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara (Food Wars! The Second Plate)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: July 2016- September 2016

Since Autumn Elections have concluded, the remaining 8 visionary chefs are now competing. In this cooking show/ anime crossover, wills are tested to the limit as they battle to be accepted into Tootsuki Culinary Academy. Souma must hope to make it with his exemplary cooking as he goes against all odds and pushes to the top.

Miso soup is a popular dish in and outside of Japan. Traditionally made with kelp and a soup stock called dashi, miso soup is a comforting accompaniment to any dish. Though varieties of this soup vary by region, the dashi stock remains the main ingredient. This miso paste comes from fermented soybeans mixed with salt and a fungus called kojikin. While this may seem a little nerve-wracking at first, this soup is sure not to disappoint.



5. Champuru from Harukana Receive

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2018- Currently Airing as of September 2018

Beach volleyball is the pinnacle of a summer anime and combined with a sports element this anime will not disappoint for those of you entering your post-summer blues. When Kanata and Haruka pair up for the beach volleyball tournament, both must learn to get past some pretty difficult setbacks. However, the pair are not weak willed and will work to overcome all of the obstacles in their path.

All athletes must stay in top-notch shape and this includes eating healthy. Champuru is a stir fry dish that originated in Okinawa. It is generally made with tofu, vegetables, bitter gourd melon, and some sort of fish. However, the range of ingredients is limitless and can evolve to suit your personal taste preferences. Champuru is not just for athletes but for anyone looking for a healthy meal.


4. Curry Rice from Rosario to Vampire (Rosario + Vampire)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: January 2008- March 2008

Tsukune Aono is an ordinary human looking for a school that he can get into. He turns to the seemingly ordinary Youkai Academy. He soon learns that this is a school for monsters that must remain in human form. In order to not get found out, he joins forces with vampire, Moka Akashiya who will keep his secret in exchange for drinking his blood. He soon befriends more monster girls who pine for his attention and must find a way to live in a world where he could easily be killed.

Curry rice is an exciting dish to make in health class. It is also a popular and spicy dish in eastern cultures. This dish is made of vegetables and can include meat. It is then poured over a batch of rice in order to create a healthy and filling entrée. While it may have been overwhelming for Tsukune and his friends, it is a palatable dish for any non-Youkai Academy student.


3. Hot Pot from Kuragehime (Jellyfish Princess)

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: October 2010- December 2010

Obsessed with jellyfish, Tsukimi Kurashita must find a way to blend her passion with her aspiring career as an illustrator. When saving a jellyfish one day, she comes across a beautiful woman who is much more than she appears. While learning to navigate roommates, jellyfish, and the unexpected stranger, Tsukimi must learn to face even the most unexpected of situations.

A hot pot is a popular dish in Japanese culture due to its variety. Tsukimi and her roommates make one that includes mushrooms, tofu and beef, however, you can make yours with whatever you wish. This vegetable filled dish is perfect when you are trying to create a meal out of what you have in your kitchen. Whether saving food or throwing a party, this is the perfect meal to dish out to all of your friends.


2. Salad from Isekai Shokudou (Restaurant to Another World)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2017- September 2017

Amidst the plethora of Japanese restaurants in Tokyo lies western restaurant Nekoya. This is no ordinary restaurant though, Saturdays they open their doors to other worlds. This popular restaurant is famous among many different worlds and their chef, Master, is considered one of the best. Any Saturday, this restaurant will be full of smiling clients of all worlds who come together in peace to share this wonderful food.

A salad is an incredibly healthy option to all. However, this salad is not topped at number one because of the magnitude of bacon and dressing that it is topped with. Nonetheless, this healthy option would be pleasing both to the eye and stomach for many because of its tastiness and crunchiness.


1. Bento Box from Blood+

  • Episodes: 50
  • Aired: October 2005- September 2006

Saya Otonashi is a high school girl living a normal life. As a track star, she is focused solely on athletics and school. That is, until a strange encounter with a monster changes her life forever. She must journey with the mysterious Haji to find out who she is and recover the memories of her past. She learns that she is no ordinary girl and her blood may be the key to the fate of the world.

No lunch is more popularly portrayed in anime than the bento box. This box is filled with a variety of healthy foods, including vegetables and tamagoyaki making it a perfectly well balanced meal. Complete with built-in sections, a bento box can separate the food, making it an excellent way to divide up your meal into perfect categories of nutrition. While there are many different ways to make bento boxes, they often include rice and vegetables which make it a healthy and filling alternative to most western style lunches.


Final Thoughts

There are many healthy options when looking at food in anime. While there are often mochi and other sweet packed items that we see, it is also important to note that those cravings could be shifted into a healthier and equally tasty option. This list compiles a few of those options that are easy to make, even with limited ingredients in your own kitchen.

We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that it inspires you to create your own healthy food. As always, if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. Your opinion is important and we love to hear your remarks. Happy eating!

Shokugeki-no-Souma-Capture Top 10 Healthy Foods in Anime [Best Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Lauren

I am an anime lover, travel addict and wanderlust seeker. If I am not watching anime or reading manga, you will probably find me in my garden, playing the piano or writing. I love video games, particularly Final Fantasy and am anxiously awaiting the next release (though it probably will not be for at least five years). I hope that you will take a look into my top 5 anime so you can learn more about me. I hope that my articles will enlighten you and help you grow in knowledge of the anime community!

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