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Introduction
Single frozen meal-kit packs delivered to your door typically cost between NT$95 and NT$250. The difference is whether the fresh semi-prepared items have the meat pre-marinated with sauce packets separate for you to cook, or whether they are fully cooked and vacuum-sealed so you only need to microwave or steam for 5–10 minutes. This article compares 10 delivery brands, placing each brand’s representative product, weight and price per pack, and heating method in the same table. If you want small household portions with the meat pre-marinated so you can just pan-fry at home, check out Hongsan (紅杉宅料理).
Best For
Busy office workers who don’t have time to cook
Most frozen meal kits can be heated in the microwave, rice cooker, or a frying pan in 5–10 minutes. A pack usually contains 200–400g and costs NT$95–250. If you blanch some greens while you pan-fry the meat, you’ll be sitting down to eat sooner than waiting for delivery. You’ll need to reserve one freezer compartment for them, and meal costs will generally be 20–50% higher than buying ingredients and cooking from scratch.
People who can cook but don’t want to do prep work
The most time-consuming parts of cooking are shopping, portioning, and marinating. Semi-prepared fresh kits come with the meat already marinated and the sauce packet separate, so you only need to cook it — you still control the doneness. Buying a whole piece of meat from the market and marinating it yourself is cheaper, but if you live alone and only cook two slices at a time, the leftover meat often goes bad.
Small households that want to keep several meals stocked in the freezer
For families caring for elders or children, keeping 10–15 packs of different flavors in the freezer and rotating them is the easiest approach. Shelf life is usually at least three months. They provide ready meals for sudden overtime, typhoon days, or camping trips. Multi-pack bundles average NT$120–150 per pack and are cheaper than buying single packs; make sure you check your freezer space first.
10 Recommended Frozen Meal Kits
Sequoia Home Cooking Salt-Grilled Steak (5 pieces)
- Product positioning
- Frozen ready-to-cook meat made from natural grass-fed beef with simple salt seasoning, emphasizing quick cooking and everyday home stocking.
- Price
- NT$154 (original price NT$260)
- Key features
- Uses natural grass-fed beef sliced from whole cuts, simply seasoned with salt and black pepper to showcase original juices and flavor. Frozen marinated slices that must be heated before eating; about 5 pieces per pack. Labeled free of clenbuterol; suitable for simple pan-frying or stir-frying with onions.
- Best For
- Keeping protein in the family freezer, quick meals for busy workers, everyday main course or late-night snack ready in 5–10 minutes; compatible with air fryer, electric cooker, oven and other heating methods.
- Official Information
- Sequoia Foods (Xindian, New Taipei) self-operated brand, focuses on individually packaged fresh frozen meal kits; meat is pre-marinated and sauce packets are separated.
- Single pack NT$128–158; 15-pack set about NT$1,800. Free shipping over NT$1,890. Ships in 1–3 business days after ordering.
- Provides four cooking methods: microwave, pan-fry, quick stir-fry, steam; also offers themed sets for camping, fitness/diet control, and expectant mothers.
- Product insured by Hua Nan Insurance; website lists the food business registration number.
Positive user reviews
- Convenient and fast; often mentioned as ready in 5–10 minutes
- Suitable for those with no cooking skills and for small families
- Fresh-marinated (not restructured meat); meat is firm and juicy
- Seasoning is on point; variety of flavors
- Can be heated with various methods (air fryer, electric cooker, oven)
- Packaging sometimes includes sauce packets or herb sachets; cooking steps are simple
Negative user reviews
- Few negative comments in social discussions; no systematic or consistent negative feedback observed
Actual experience:Texture close to freshly cooked; sauce penetrates the meat. Time-saving and easy to produce tasty dishes. Good as a home meal or late-night snack. Well accepted by children and family; some items have satisfying portions and are filling.
Repurchase tendency:High (many discussions mention repurchasing or keeping it stocked in the freezer)
Meat Master Half Tendon Half Meat Beef Hot Pot (Braised/1,250g)
- Product positioning
- Frozen meal pack featuring a braised-style half-tendon half-meat beef hot pot, delivered by home delivery or convenience store pickup for reheating at home.
- Price
- NT$549 (single pack 1,250g; 3–8 pack sets have additional discounts)
- Key features
- Exclusive braised soup base (not spicy) with half-tendon half-meat beef shank, paired with tendon for texture. Total package weight 1250 g (solid ingredients 400 g; soup base 850 g). Frozen storage (-18°C). Can be stewed in an electric cooker or pressure cooker. Offers home delivery and convenience store pickup. Free shipping storewide over NT$2,500. Multiple pack options (single/3-pack/5-pack/8-pack).
- Best For
- Home delivery or convenience store pickup for reheating and stewing at home; heat in an electric cooker or pressure cook to preferred texture; frozen storage as a meal-prep option.
- Official Information
- Fresh e-commerce founded in 2016, focusing on beef, seafood and frozen meal packs, operating through group buying and online advertising.
- Meal packs emphasize large-portion hot pots (beef hot pot 1,250g, solid ingredients 400g), sold as single packs and in 3/5/8 pack sets.
- Offers both home delivery and convenience store pickup; free shipping on orders over NT$2,500.
- Promotes mainly through Facebook fan page and YouTube; no major media feature articles.
Anyong Fresh Vegetable Stewed Beef Brisket (250g)
- Product positioning
- Focuses on frozen meal packs and ready-to-eat wellness dishes, offering home delivery and direct-store pickup as convenient meal options. Emphasizes health and diverse cooking styles.
- Price
- NT$190
- Key features
- Highlights frozen meal packs and ready soup/pot dishes, provides delivery and direct-store pickup, emphasizes wellness recommendations / medicinal cuisine and diverse categories (home-style, chef dishes, vegetarian, etc.). Page lists example products like Yangming Spring sesame oil monkey mushroom rice (600g) and Anyong garlic chicken soup (400g).
- Best For
- Keeping in the home freezer, quick reheating, convenient option when preparing health-focused or medicinal meals, buying via delivery or store pickup, and as a ready-to-eat supplement for food service or catering procurement.
- Official Information
- Founded by the Chong Yue Group / Guo Zhihui, promoting vertically integrated production and its own food brand.
- Covered by several media outlets (Health Magazine, EBC News, United Daily News, etc.).
- Has received accolades such as Monde Selection gold for bass essence and the National Brand Yushan Award.
- Emphasizes tech-based freshness (CAS cell-viability preservation), contracted traceable farming and third-party testing.
Positive user reviews
- Ingredients taste fresh using CAS quick-freeze preservation; umami retained
- Seafood and meats have good texture; cooking is convenient and fast
- Wide variety of items with traceability and low-temperature delivery
Negative user reviews
- Detailed online user reviews are limited; sample size of pre-purchase information is small
Actual experience:Most sharers say it tastes like freshly caught, no fishy smell, good springy texture; heat or simple cooking brings it to the table—suitable to keep in the home freezer as convenient meals.
Repurchase tendency:Buyers are generally positive and willing to repurchase; repurchase rate limited by the number of public reviews.
Choice Food Masala Curry Chicken Thigh (Fresh Semi-finished)
- Product positioning
- No-additive frozen semi-prepared Indian masala curry chicken thigh, focusing on reduced salt and oil and convenient air-fry or pan-sear home cooking.
- Price
- NT$239 (original price NT$280)
- Key features
- No preservatives, no chicken powder, no MSG; claims reduced salt, less oil, low sugar. Carefully selected, inspected about 300g (eight tael) boneless chicken thigh, marinated to retain juiciness. Suitable for air-frying or pan-searing. Sold as frozen-delivered fresh semi-finished product, vacuum-packed (vacuum loss may occur during shipping but does not affect quality). Core ingredients: chicken thigh, Indian curry powder, flour; composite spices and salt included.
- Best For
- Air-fryer cooking, pan-searing, quick home meals, frozen delivery to store and immediate reheating.
- Official Information
- Brand of no-additive frozen meal packs founded by a nurse, emphasizes ingredient traceability and humane farming.
- Product ranges include fresh semi-finished (pre-cut, marinated) and ready-to-eat categories; website lists heating methods for each item.
- Single packs usually NT$200–300; site offers 15-item sets and free shipping over a threshold.
- Brand claims multiple media reports; no verifiable in-depth third-party news coverage or public awards/certifications found.
Lao Xie Zhen Honey-Glazed Chicken Thigh Fillet (boneless / 190g, pack of 10)
- Product positioning
- A Taiwanese brand with an 80-year heritage in Chinese tonic cuisine and ready-to-eat dishes, focusing on simmered chicken essence, drip chicken essence, bird’s nest, ginseng and other tonic beverages and gift sets
- Price
- NT$1,190 / 10 pieces (about NT$119 per piece; original price NT$1,490)
- Suitable occasions
- Family gatherings and holiday shopping, quick emergency meals or ready-to-eat options for busy times, gifting (gift box packaging), everyday nourishment and tonic needs
- Official Information
- An 80-year-old Dihua Street shop in Taipei; after the fourth generation took over, the business shifted focus to simmered chicken essence, bird’s nest and ready-to-eat dishes
- The whole range is labeled with A.A. no-additives certification; chicken thigh fillets, TOMMI rice burgers, and ready-to-eat stewed rice are all part of the 5–10 minute heat-and-serve line
- Reported by Digital Age, CommonWealth Magazine, and National Central University news about generational transition and e-commerce transformation
- The official site frequently offers bundle promotions (buy 3 get 1, multi-item discounts); calculate single-piece price from bundle price
Positive user reviews
- Wide variety of frozen ready-to-eat and holiday cooked items; rich selection
- Some users find the flavors rich and bold, suiting traditional strong-flavor preferences
- Convenient and suitable for family gatherings or festive shopping
Negative user reviews
- Some stews can be watery if not heated enough
- The drip chicken essence has a strong tonic flavor, and some users note each packet is small (e.g., 42ml packaging)
- Certain dishes are tasty but not particularly surprising
Actual experience: Consumers generally find it convenient, suitable for small families or holiday needs; flavors lean traditional and are acceptable to those who prefer bold tastes; heating method and time affect the stew’s thickness and mouthfeel
Repurchase intent: Depends on the item: holiday dishes and frozen cooked foods are more likely to be repurchased; tonic stews (bird’s nest, drip chicken essence) divide opinions based on taste and package size
Shin Yeh Online Flavors Shin Yeh Braised Pork (550g)
- Product positioning
- Shin Yeh’s online selection platform for frozen foods and meal packs, offering ready-to-heat Taiwanese home-style and cooked frozen items for online purchase.
- Price
- NT$409
- Main features
- Online sales of the Shin Yeh series include frozen foods and meal packs, with formats such as frozen items, meal packs, and ready-to-cook packs. Some example products and bundles from the page: Holiday Table 5-piece set; Black Gold Lava Buns (5 pieces); Preserved Radish Egg Fried Rice (2 per box); Basil Three-Cup Pork Knuckle (2 per box). Promotions and free-shipping notices are displayed.
- Suitable occasions
- Home ready-to-eat meals or as cooking ingredients, camping or on-the-go meal prep, holiday pre-orders and family feast preparation
- Official Information
- Shin Yeh International Dining Group launched the official e-commerce “Shin Yeh · Life · Kitchen” in 2021 to sell chef-developed frozen meal packs and collaboration products
- Featured in media articles and podcasts/interviews, and promoted via official social channels (Facebook, Instagram)
- The parent brand has been reported to receive Michelin one-star recognition for consecutive years (as publicly reported)
- Focuses on concentrated restaurant core flavors in frozen ready-to-eat meal packs, combined with recipe sharing and community activities
Positive user reviews
- Flavors closely resemble restaurant dishes (“amazingly accurate” recreations of Shin Yeh dishes)
- Quick and convenient to heat (defrost or microwave/heat)
- Wide product range (Taiwanese dishes, congee/noodles/rice, soups, Cantonese dim sum, holiday dishes)
- Vacuum frozen packaging
- Suitable for home, camping, or meal prepping
- Portions friendly to small families and divisible into multiple meals
- Consumers trust the brand background and food liability insurance protection
Negative user reviews
- Some find the meat pieces or meat quantity insufficient
- Some have reservations about price or cost per pack
Actual experience: Fragrant and authentic taste after heating, consistent quality, saves cooking time and is convenient for emergencies or lazy meals; pairs well with home vegetables or rice/noodles to make a meal; many report one pack can be split into multiple meals—suitable for two-person households
Repurchase intent: Generally high; most reviews say they would order again or repurchase; a minority hesitate due to meat quantity or price.
CP Foods Green Sichuan Pepper Boneless Chicken Thigh Fillet (200g)
- Product positioning
- The CP Foods official online shopping platform offering a variety of CP brand food products online, emphasizing integrated production-to-sales and quality control.
- Price
- NT$95 (original price NT$120)
- Main features
- Provides high-quality tasty products, operates a vertically integrated production-to-sales model, emphasizes strict ISO quality control, and offers diverse and convenient online shopping choices
- Suitable occasions
- Buy CP brand ready-to-eat or frozen prepared foods online, daily family meal prepping or stocking, convenient meals that require quick heating to eat
- Official Information
- Belongs to the CP Group/Chia Tai Group system, covering feed, farming, slaughtering and food manufacturing
- In recent years, annual capital expenditure exceeds NT$1 billion, building multiple production and cutting plants
- Multiple media outlets reported on the brand’s transformation and awards (including CNYES, Yahoo Hong Kong, etc.)
- Received stars from the ITI Superior Taste Award for three consecutive years, and in 2024 received multiple evaluation recognitions.
- Market highlights include vertically integrated supply chain, enhanced flavor R&D and promotion of ready-to-eat products and direct e-commerce sales
Positive user reviews
- Wide range: ready-to-eat chicken breast, frozen pasta, popcorn chicken, etc.
- Affordable prices
- Rich flavor choices
- Convenient and fast: frozen ready-to-eat, microwave or thaw-and-use
- Some products have non-dry meat
Negative user reviews
- Some items have small portions; you may need two packs to feel full
- Texture can vary after microwaving frozen meals
- Some items are only cost-effective when bought in large quantities
Actual experience: Most see it as affordable and useful convenience food; flavors tend toward homestyle or nostalgic; ready-to-eat chicken breast is reported not dry; wide flavor variety; pasta is cheap and filling, though sometimes two packs are needed
Repurchase intent: High; popular repurchase items include ready-to-eat chicken breast, some pastas, and popcorn chicken—people often stock up during promotions
Dachan Anxin Gou (大成安心購) Golden Crispy Chicken Thigh Fillet (210g/pack, pack of 20)
- Product positioning
- Dachan Group’s official online food shopping platform, focusing on a variety of fresh and snack items and offering member discounts
- Price
- NT$1,230 / 20 packs (about NT$62 per pack; original price NT$2,800)
- Main features
- Officially operated e-commerce platform run by Dachan Group, offering many food categories: domestic chicken, prepared packs, chicken thigh fillets, sliced pork, seafood, etc.; supports membership with exclusive offers; website shows real-time shopping, add-to-cart and purchase flow prompts
- Suitable occasions
- Online purchase of fresh and snack items, in-store ready-to-eat / takeout pickup, lazy meal prep and renter-friendly quick heat-and-eat options, member shopping with discounts and promotions
- Official Information
- A self-owned retail channel of Dachan Great Wall (Dachan Group), developing street-side specialty ingredient stores since 2018
- Stores have opened in Shilin, Sanxia and Tainan in the past
- Media reports mention various awards and sales channels (official site, stores, Shopee, etc.)
- Product/company certifications include FSSC, ISO22000, HACCP, etc.
- Backed by a complete supply chain and quality control advantages, emphasizing traceability and high safety control
Positive user reviews
- Stable quality from a major manufacturer
- Meat is generally tender and not dry
- Easy to heat (microwave / water bath)
- Home-style flavors widely accepted
- Portions suitable for two people or meal prepping
Negative user reviews
- Seasoning can be heavy or salty
- Flavors are conservative and not very innovative
- Some items have more sauce or oil than desired
Actual experience: Tear-open and heat to serve; goes well with rice, pronounced spice flavors (green curry, basil, kung pao, etc.); overall feels like convenient and reliable homestyle food
Repurchase intent: High; most users repurchase for convenience and consistent quality; those watching salt intake or seeking new flavors are less likely to repurchase
Le Shi Ke (漢典食品) Basil Three-Cup Chicken Ready Meal
- Price
- NT$149 (original NT$179)
- Key features
- Frozen pre-made dishes and ready-to-eat meals, chef-level flavor × convenience and speed focus, emphasizes cold-chain preservation and production control, ingredient-friendly (local sourcing, no preservatives) and eco-friendly packaging
- Suitable for
- Home frozen delivery and quick dinner substitutes, food manufacturing and B2B export channels, senior-friendly and medical care-related meals
- Official Information
- Handian Foods (漢典食品) is a Taiwanese frozen prepared-food manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, handling R&D, production, packaging, and integrated cold-chain logistics.
- Has recently expanded into the UK/European market, including factory setup and trade show participation
- Has official press releases and multiple media reports, including collaborations with celebrity chefs and cross-industry projects
- Received three one-star recognitions at Great Taste 2026
- Production lines certified to ISO22000 and HACCP food safety standards
- Market highlights include a focus on frozen preparation techniques, preservation cold chain, ingredient friendliness, and eco-friendly packaging
Positive user comments
- Convenient and fast, short preparation time
- Flavor and texture described by most users as close to freshly cooked
- Better meat chunks and mouthfeel
Negative user comments
- Price is discussed as relatively high
- A few discussions mention portion size not matching the price perception
Actual experience: Highly satisfying as a lazy or busy-dinner lifesaver; many report the reheated flavor is close to freshly made; natural eating experience
Repurchase tendency: Likely to repurchase, but purchase frequency is affected by price and portion perception (price is decisive)
Le Fu Ren (樂夫人) Rich Tomato Meat Sauce Spaghetti (420g)
- Product positioning
- Ready-to-eat/meal kits that make restaurant-quality dishes at home, combining restaurant flavors with convenience
- Price
- NT$165 (listed NT$179)
- Key features
- Handmade hamburger patties and restaurant recipe reproduction, frozen ready-to-eat meal kits that are heat-and-serve, easy operation (whole pouch boil or microwave), sales and exposure mainly through social channels and e-commerce
- Suitable for
- Those who want to recreate restaurant flavors at home, need quick lazy meals or late-night work dinners, existing fans of Le Hamburger or families seeking restaurant-style flavors
- Official Information
- A meal-kit brand of Aile Catering Group, spun off from the Le Hamburger chain around 2023
- Focuses on turning restaurant hand-formed hamburger patties, pasta, and risotto into frozen packs; each pasta pack is 420g and heats in 6 minutes
- Single pack NT$165 to 260, 3-pack NT$729, free shipping for 5 packs or more
- Exposure is mainly via brand Facebook, Instagram, and its own store; no major media features or public awards/certifications
Positive user comments
- Frozen ready-to-eat, convenient and fast, heat and serve
- Flavor described by most users as restaurant-level and rich
- Ingredients mentioned as substantial (e.g., thick bacon, smoked chicken, durum wheat pasta)
- Pasta remains springy after heating
- Packaging and cold-chain delivery reviewed positively (mentioned by some users)
Negative user comments
- Few negative feedbacks in public discussions
- Some posts have a promotional tone, which may affect trust
- Limited sample size of comments; no clear consensus on price or portion
Actual experience: Most users find the flavor rich, ingredients substantial and convenient; heating is simple (boil whole pouch or microwave); eating experience close to restaurant-made flavor; individual users highlight thick bacon and good sauce performance; pasta maintains springy texture after heating
Repurchase tendency: Medium-high
| Brand | Product name | Price | Key features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hongshan Home Cooking (紅杉宅料理) | Salt-Grilled Steak (5 pieces) | NT$154 (original NT$260) | Grass-fed whole-cut beef, simple salt seasoning, 5 pieces per pack | Family quick meals, ready in 5–10 minutes |
| Mi Te Chef (米特師傅) | Beef Shank with Tendon Hotpot (Braised / 1,250g) | NT$549 (single pack 1,250g; discounts for 3–8 pack sets) | Half tendon half meat beef shank, non-spicy braised broth | Simmer in electric cooker or pressure cooker, convenience store pickup |
| Anyong Fresh (安永鮮物) | Fresh Vegetable Stewed Beef Brisket (250g) | NT$190 | Beef brisket with tendon, light and not greasy, heat-and-eat | Fridge staple, meals for seniors, quick dinner |
| Qiaoshi (巧食) | Masala Curry Chicken Thigh (fresh semi-prepared) | NT$239 (original NT$280) | No additives, pre-cut pieces, suitable for air-frying or pan-searing | For those who want to cook but save prep time |
| Lao Xie Zhen (老協珍) | Honey-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thigh (boneless / 190g, 10-piece set) | NT$1,190 / 10 pieces (about NT$119 each; original NT$1,490) | Boneless chicken thigh, heat for 10 minutes, A.A. no additives | Bento mains, BBQs, family staple |
| Shin Yeh Online Flavors (欣葉線上風味選) | Shin Yeh Braised Pork (550g) | NT$409 | Restaurant-flavor braised pork, heat-and-eat | Family-style dishes, Lunar New Year dishes, over rice |
| Bu Feng Foods (卜蜂食品) | Sichuan Green Pepper Boneless Chicken Thigh (200g) | NT$95 (original NT$120) | Marinated boneless chicken thigh, ITI flavor rating one star | Affordable pantry staple, pan-fry or air-fry |
| Dacheng Anxin Go (大成安心購) | Golden Crispy Chicken Thigh (210g/pack, 20-pack set) | NT$1,230 / 20 packs (about NT$62 per pack; original NT$2,800) | US boneless chicken thigh, not pre-fried, bulk group-buy price | Large-family stockpiling, group buys |
| Le Shike (Handian Foods) (樂食刻（漢典食品）) | Basil Three-Cup Chicken Ready Meal | NT$149 (original NT$179) | Heat-and-eat, no preservatives, ISO22000 and HACCP certified | Weeknight meals for office workers, camping |
| Lady Le (樂夫人) | Rich Tomato Meat Sauce Spaghetti (420g) | NT$165 (suggested retail NT$179) | Restaurant recipe, larger portions, ready in 6 minutes | Single servings, camping, late-night snacks |
Three Key Points You Must Understand Before Buying Frozen Meal Packs
Fresh semi-prepared items pan-fried feel more like homemade than ready-to-eat packs
Fresh semi-prepared items retain more fiber and meat juices, so after warming they have more chew and usually need seasoning added; most ready-to-eat packs are pre-cooked or sauced, yielding a softer, more consistent texture. When buying, pay attention to the firmness of meat pieces and the thickness of sauces. Tasting several packs prepared the same way will reveal differences in meat quality and sauces; you can also check the packaging for rehydration rates and additives to judge the cause of texture.
Convert each pack’s price to cost per 100 g to compare
Divide the sale price by net weight to get price per gram, then multiply by 100 to get cost per 100 g. If necessary, prorate shipping or discounts. If the pack includes sauce or side dishes, use the net weight marked on the package as the basis. Converting the gram amount into cost per serving helps you decide whether a repurchase is worthwhile; finally choose based on ingredient quality and seasoning preference, and compare portion sizes and components among products at the same price point.
Complete labeling and full cold-chain delivery are the basic requirements
When receiving goods first check that packaging is intact and that the package shows product name, net weight, manufacturer, batch number, and expiration date. Read the ingredients label and allergen information. When accepting a delivery inspect the outer box’s cold condition; if you find thawed-then-refrozen contents or insufficient cooling materials inside, photograph as evidence and contact the seller or refuse acceptance. Ask the seller whether they use cold-chain delivery, refrigerated transport, or insulated boxes—these directly affect food safety and texture.
Specs, Pitfalls, and Who It’s Best For — All at a Glance
- Specs or function comparison: classify as frozen meal packs / frozen prepared packs. Hongsan Zhai Liaoli (紅杉宅料理) is a frozen marinated meat-slice product centered on grass-fed beef, emphasizing 5–10 minute serving time; Mite Shifu (米特師傅)’s semi-tendon semi-meat beef hotpot is a large-pack soup base (1250g, solids 400g, broth 850g) that requires home heating and simmering; Qiaoshi (巧食)’s masala curry chicken thigh is an additive-free frozen semi-prepared item, suitable for air-frying or pan-searing. When recommending meal packs, pay attention to differences in form.
- Best for: Hongsan positions itself for small families and busy office workers who want ready-to-cook fresh meal packs and supports frozen home delivery; Mite Shifu suits households wanting to simmer a large batch or buy in bulk; Qiaoshi targets urban families focused on food safety and additive-free products. When buying delivered meal packs, prioritize portion size and cooking method.
- Common pitfalls: Don’t treat frozen marinated fresh items as ready-to-eat—Hongsan clearly labels its products as requiring heating; the soup-base type (Mite Shifu) can be mistaken for ready-to-eat if heating steps are skipped; when buying additive-free labeled products (like Qiaoshi), don’t ignore storage and cooking instructions to avoid affecting flavor and safety.