Fast-paced lives pave way for alternative food

From biscuits containing insect protein and egg-free mayonnaise to meal replacement powder and pork chops grown in a lab, as technology advances, foods that once only existed in science-fiction movies are appearing more frequently on dinner tables.

Chinese people are food lovers who take their meals seriously. But some people would happily trade the pleasure of culinary exploration for efficiency.

"In our fast-paced lives, working overtime and working over night have become normal. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to cook for themselves, and constantly ordering takeout food has health issues," said Shao Wei, founder of Ruofan, a food-tech company that develops powders and drinks to replace meals.