In German hospitals, the quality of food is a critical yet overlooked aspect of patient care, with hospitals spending an average of just six euros per day per patient on meals. Many patients report dissatisfaction with hospital cuisine, which often consists of low-cost mass-produced options. Experts emphasize the importance of proper nutrition in recovery, citing studies showing that better dietary care reduces complications. Some hospitals, like the Isarklinikum in Munich, are implementing innovative strategies to provide healthier meals while combating food waste, although many institutions still face financial pressure that impacts meal quality. Calls for increased funding have gone largely unanswered.