Launch of 'Mago no Te Soft Meal'
On November 11, 2025, Global Kitchen Co., Ltd., based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, will launch its new product, the 'Mago no Te Soft Meal,' specifically targeted at elderly care facilities across Japan. This frozen meal is designed with exceptional nutritional standards to meet the needs of seniors—offering a remarkable 740 kcal of energy and 40.8 g of protein per day.
Nutritional Excellence
The 'Mago no Te Soft Meal' boasts a high standard of nutritional design, being classified as 'easy to swallow' with a texture soft enough to be mashed with the tongue. This makes it an ideal choice for elderly individuals who are experiencing decreased swallowing abilities and lower food intake. By simply refrigerating and thawing, these meals can provide a substantial nutritional boost even in small quantities.
This product is divided into three categories—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—available in a set of 14 breakfast options and 28 options for lunch and dinner. With the goal of fulfilling the dietary requirements of seniors, it adheres to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s guidelines for dietary intake for individuals over 75 years of age.
Event and Tasting Opportunities
Prior to the product launch, Global Kitchen will conduct sampling sessions and consultations at the 'CareTEX Osaka '25' event, which will take place at Intex Osaka from October 15 to 17, 2025. Additionally, free samples can be requested through the company’s website, providing potential customers with an opportunity to experience the meals firsthand.
Addressing Current Challenges in Elderly Care
As Japan's aging population approaches 30%, maintaining and improving the health of residents in elderly care facilities has become increasingly critical. The complexity of dietary requirements for seniors requires that meals are not only easy to eat but also nutritious. The caregiving industry is also facing a severe labor shortage that necessitates simplification of cooking processes while still ensuring a balanced diet.
Features of the 'Mago no Te Soft Meal'
The 'Mago no Te Soft Meal' meets the needs associated with transitional textures for seniors, providing meals that can be easily swallowed. Each meal is separated into individual portions and stored in trays with pillow packaging. The product weighs 124g for breakfast and 148g for both lunch and dinner, with a total weight of 420g, offering rich flavors without overwhelming the palate.
The nutritional design allows for a daily intake of 740 kcal and 40.8 g of protein from just the side dishes. When combined with the company's 'Protein Enhancement Sauce Set,' the total daily intake can reach an impressive 1,404 kcal and 64.6 g of protein. This meets the requirements for elderly individuals weighing around 50 kg, who typically need between 50-60 g of protein per day.
Enhancing Meal Preparation Efficiency
By utilizing only refrigeration and thawing for preparation, the 'Mago no Te Soft Meal' significantly reduces the operational workload for kitchen staff. Gone are the days of using techniques such as boiling or steaming, which required specialized skills. With this product, even part-time staff can provide safe, nutritious meals through simple thawing and plating processes.
This solution is particularly beneficial during night shifts or on weekends when fewer kitchen staff are available. The proportionate serving sizes and attractive flavor profiles aim to increase residents' meal satisfaction.
Insights from Experts
Professor Keiko Kamachi, from Joshi Eiyou University Nutrition Clinic, noted the convenience of the refrigeration-only method: 'This feature will definitely lighten the burden of meal preparation in facilities. The product not only enhances convenience for providers but also ensures that users can have enjoyable meals.' The meals are seasoned to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients while maintaining visually appealing presentations to stimulate appetite.
Commitment to Future Developments
As part of their mission, Global Kitchen aims to expand its range by responding to various needs within senior care facilities by offering meals in diverse forms. The company is also committed to providing seminars that focus on nutrition management, ensuring that their support extends beyond meal provision to encompass comprehensive solutions for challenges in elder care.
Company Overview
Company Name: Global Kitchen Co., Ltd.
CEO: Hidetoshi Kamei
Location: 8F PMO Higashi-Shinbashi, 2-12-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Contact Number: 03-6459-0746
Website: Global Kitchen
In conclusion, the 'Mago no Te Soft Meal' not only fulfills the immediate nutritional requirements of its consumers but also aims to facilitate a more manageable meal service operation for facilities catering to an increasing elderly population.