Determinants of food choice in Chinese populations have not been systematically synthesised using a cultural lens. This study reviewed qualitative studies exploring food choice determinants of both Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Ovid Medline, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI) were searched from database inception to 1 April 2021. Studies were included if they involved qualitative research methods, were written in English or Chinese, investigated the factors influencing food choices, and targeted Chinese mainlanders or Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Twenty-five studies (24 in English, 1 in Chinese) were included, involving 2048 participants. Four themes were identified; (1) the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), (2) perceptions of a healthy diet in Chinese culture (e.g., regular eating, eating in moderation, and emphasis on food freshness), (3) the desire to maintain harmony in families/communities, and (4) physical/social environmental factors all significantly influenced Chinese people’s food choices. It is important to acknowledge these factors when developing culturally appropriate nutrition programs for promoting health in Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants.

Background The present study aimed to qualitatively explore the food choice determinants of both Chinese immigrants living in Australia and Chinese people living in mainland China. Methods Eight Chinese Australian participants (female, n = 5; male, n = 3) and ten mainland Chinese participants (female, n = 5; male, n = 5) were recruited from Australia (primarily in Melbourne, Victoria) and China (predominantly in Zhengzhou, Henan province) between June 2021 and March 2022. Participants were diverse in age, socio‐economic background, occupation and health status. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted in Mandarin either face‐to‐face or using online video/voice calls. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Investigator triangulation was used to enhance scientific rigour. Results Four themes were identified: (1) food choice determinants were shaped by traditional and modern nutrition perceptions and personal food philosophy; (2) physiological responses to food provide direct feedback that impacts future food choices; (3) consideration of convenience was a predominant influencer of food choice; and (4) the differences in food environments between China and Australia promoted distinctive food choice determinants for Chinese people. Conclusions Chinese Australian and mainland Chinese participants' food choices are shaped by traditional Chinese nutrition philosophy, modern Western nutrition science and the contemporary food environment. There are clear cultural characteristics in their food choice determinants that should be considered by health educators, nutrition professionals and nutrition policymakers when developing culturally appropriate health interventions for Chinese people.