Mealsized

Mealsized is a term used in food packaging, nutrition planning, and hospitality to describe a portion intended to be consumed as a single meal by one person. The term is not a formal technical standard; its meaning can vary between regions, brands, and contexts, but it generally signals a single-serving or individual-portion size rather than a larger family or multi-serving package.

In retail and foodservice, mealsized indicates single-serve or one-person portions. In meal-kit and delivery services, mealsized options designate portions prepared for one person, typically paired with one set of utensils and minimal extra preparation. In dietary planning, a mealsized portion is used to estimate caloric intake and nutrient targets for a typical meal, with the exact content varying by cuisine, brand, and dietary guidelines.

Caloric and nutritional content of mealsized portions can range widely. Some guidelines and manufacturers align mealsized portions with general daily energy targets for a single meal, while others tailor sizes to specific dietary plans or regional eating habits. Because mealsized is not standardized, users should check labeling for exact servings, calories, and nutritional information rather than relying on the term alone.

Relationship to related concepts: mealsized is distinct from a generic “serving size” label, though it often overlaps with it. It also relates to concepts like single-serve, portion control, and meal kits, which emphasize convenient, individually portioned meals.

See also: serving size, portion control, single-serve, meal kit.