What is a Smart Meal^®?

Smart Meal^® refers to a well-balanced meal that contributes to better health. Specifically, it is a meal that includes a staple food, a main dish, and a side dish, is rich in vegetables, and is designed to help prevent excessive salt intake.
Smart Meal^® (abbreviated as Suma-miru) is a general term for nutritionally balanced meals that include elements beneficial to health
 
There are two categories of Smart Meals^®: “Chanto” and “Shikkari.”
 
“Chanto” (meaning “properly” or “moderately”) is intended for those who want a properly balanced meal with moderate energy intake. Each meal provides between 450 and less than 650 kcal.
 
“Shikkari” (meaning “solidly” or “substantially”) is designed for those who want a well-balanced meal with more substantial energy intake. Each meal provides 650 to 850 kcal (or 620 to 850 kcal when using the 2020 edition of the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan).
 

※ When using the 2020 edition of the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan, the energy standard for the Shikkari category is 620–850 kcal.

This is an example based on the assumption that one-third of the estimated daily energy requirement (as listed in the 2025 edition of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese) is appropriate for one meal. However, individual energy needs vary based on daily activity and other factors. It is important to adjust your food choices while monitoring changes in your body weight and physical condition.
 
Please note that eating Smart Meal^® alone will not automatically make you healthy or prevent lifestyle-related diseases. For better health, it is important to regularly eat nutritionally balanced meals like Smart Meal^®, stay physically active, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are currently undergoing medical treatment, please consult your physician before using Smart Meal^®.

Background of the Criteria

Smart Meal® criteria were developed based on national guidelines and scientific evidence, with the goal of supporting health promotion through balanced dietary practices.
Specifically, the standards are based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s "Guidelines for Meals Aimed at Preventing Lifestyle-Related Diseases and Promoting Health" (September 2015).They also draw on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese and a range of scientific studies related to healthy eating patterns.
To ensure that the criteria remain scientifically sound and up to date, relevant academic literature is regularly reviewed. When new evidence becomes available, the standards and evaluation items are revised as needed, in accordance with the latest findings.

Certification Process and Schedule

Applications for the “Healthy Meal and Food Environment” Certification are accepted annually from January through the end of February.
 

※ Certified businesses are required to undergo a renewal review every two years.
※ A review fee is required for both new and renewal applications.
　Small and medium-sized enterprises: ¥5,000 (tax included) per application
　Large enterprises: ¥10,000 (tax included) per application
※ Notification of changes can be submitted at any time.