lightfare

Lightfare (often written as light fare) is a term used in the culinary and hospitality industries to describe food items designed to be lighter than traditional, richer dishes. It generally refers to meals or snack options that are lower in calories, fat, and portion size, or easier to digest. The term is not a formal culinary category but rather a marketing or menu descriptor.

In practice, lightfare appears on restaurant menus, airline catering, hospital cafeterias, and school programs as a distinct section or label. It may include salads, fruit cups, yogurt, soups, broths, grilled vegetables, lean proteins, whole-grain sandwiches, low-fat dairy, and other options intended to be lighter alternatives to heartier dishes. Beverage choices such as water, unsweetened tea, and light juices are often included.

The one-word variant lightfare is less common; most usage uses the two words "light fare." When used on menus, it signals options that are relatively lower in calories or fat, though exact nutritional content varies by recipe and portion size. Critics note that marketing labels can be misleading if portions are large or ingredients are high-sodium or sugar-rich despite being lighter in fat.

See also: diet, healthful eating; lighter menu; low-calorie meals; portion control.