One viral TikTok user has created "human kibble," a mixture of chopped, cooked, unseasoned whole foods

Would You Eat 'Human Kibble'? Dietitians Weigh In on the Viral Social Media Trend Here's what dietitians think of eating animal-style

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  • A viral TikTok video promotes “human kibble,” a large mixture of chopped, cooked, unseasoned whole foods that lasts the week.
  • The advantages of this way of eating include providing plenty of nutrients and simplifying meal prep.
  • However, dietitians say human kibble could get boring and strips food of its cultural, social, and pleasurable effects.

Since the early 20th Century, the word “kibble” has been synonymous with the pellet-like mixture of meats and grains fed to pets—but could the concept of one-bowl nutrition apply to humans, too?

A recent viral video on Tiktok is getting some people interested in a meal often dubbed “human kibble.” In his popular January 2025 video, creator @myfoodisme2 says his diet has consisted of a combination of unflavored chopped vegetables, chicken breast, tofu, grains, and legumes for the past five years.

The video walks viewers through the process of cutting, cooking, and mixing these ingredients together in a large serving bowl. Packing his diet with this concoction—which looks not unlike animal feed—fuels his days with whole foods and little fuss, @myfoodisme2 claims. His videos have inspired a slew of other users to hop on the human kibble bandwagon.

However, commenters and experts have some strong opinions on the value (and taste) of a human kibble. Though some say a daily chow like this may simplify meal planning and provide solid nutrition, others note its drawbacks.

“Eating the same foods for long periods can lead to boredom, dissatisfaction, and even nutrient gaps if the meals aren’t properly balanced and varied,” Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, owner of One Pot Wellness in Indianapolis, told Health.

So, should you get out the bowl with your name on the side and make your own version of kibble? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of eating animal-style.

The Advantages of Human Kibble

It’s hard to argue with the nutritional value of @myfoodisme2’s mixture of food groups. As he points out in his video, his one-dish meal contains 19 whole foods.

Emma Laing, PhD, RDN, director of dietetics at the University of Georgia and a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, told Health she’s a fan of meal patterns that promote vegetables—under-consumed in the U.S.—and beans, which are rich in the fiber that most Americans don’t get enough of in their diets.

“If people are inspired to add foods to their diet that they do not normally eat by following this trend, this could be a good move to add variety to their plate and fill nutrient gaps,” she said.

In his posts, @myfoodisme also shared that, prior to meal prepping his “kibble,” he struggled to consume enough vegetables because he disliked their taste and texture. Chopping them finely and mixing them with other ingredients seems to have remedied this problem.

According to Laing, this solution might work for others, too. “Changing the texture of vegetables and mixing them with other ingredients could be a clever way to ‘hide’ them and increase their consumption among picky eaters,” she said.

Regularly prepping a large-batch one-dish meal also eliminates the need for complicated meal planning, which saves mental energy, Chun pointed out.

“It can make it easier for people to consistently hit their nutritional goals, primarily if they aim for specific macro ratios or calorie counts,” she said.

And for people with dietary restrictions or those who experience anxiety around food choices, the predictability of human kibble could also be comforting.

The Pitfalls of People Kibble

Despite its potential benefits, human kibble isn’t a winner of a dinner for everyone. People generally crave more variety than pets—so eating the same mixture over and over could get pretty boring.

If you do decide to go the kibble route, “rotating through a variety of foods with each meal prep, including whole grains, legumes, seafood, spices, and oils (like extra virgin olive oil) would improve palatability and nutrient diversity,” Laing recommended.

Without sometimes adding seasoning like salt, you might also end up with electrolyte deficiencies. Chun emphasized the importance of sufficient sodium in active people’s diets, given this mineral gets lost through sweat. Seasoning your bowl with salt or another flavoring blend could help prevent imbalances.

Storage capacity and food safety could also be problematic issues. Whereas @myfoodisme2’s massive bowl looks like enough food to last an entire week, the USDA recommends keeping leftovers in the refrigerator for only up to four days to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. 

Even if this viral mixture covers your nutritional bases, thinking of meals as “kibble” might harm your mentality around food. “The language we use about food matters,” Chun said. “Calling meals ‘kibble’ can make eating feel mechanical, which isn’t a healthy mindset.”

Do Experts Recommend Giving Human Kibble a Try? 

All told, cooking up human kibble isn’t inherently dangerous—as long as you cook ingredients to safe temperatures.

However, Laing cautioned that it might not provide enough calories for people with higher energy needs (such as athletes) and that suddenly changing your eating pattern—to “kibble” or any other diet—could cause digestive discomfort.

Also, as you weigh the decision to kibble or not to kibble, remember that food is much more than sustenance.

“Food is indeed fuel, but it is also a source of culture, connection, and enjoyment,” Laing said. “While some individuals are content with eating similar meals day after day, most people find that a more varied and flexible approach is necessary for them to feel both satisfied and nourished.”

Edited by Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jani Hall Jani Hall Jani Hall is a news editor for Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation. learn more Read more:

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Sarah Garone