Objective To explore how the media report on pre-made dishes, and how targeted communication strategies can guide the public toward an objective and rational understanding of pre-made dishes.Methods Using semantic network analysis, this study extracts the issue frameworks from news reports by institutional media and public discussions on the Weibo platform. Semantic similarity analysis is then conducted to compare the differences in issue emphasis between media coverage and public attention regarding pre-made dishes.Results The findings indicate that the overall similarity between institutional media coverage and public discussions on pre-made dishes is low, with only a small number of issue frameworks showing partial alignment. Some frameworks are moderately related but differ in emphasis. Some frameworks have no overlap at all, revealing a clear disconnection between media reporting and public concern.Conclusion To break the public stereotype of pre-made dishes, this study proposes three targeted communication strategies: ① Increase the coverage of issue frameworks related to the management of catering operations and the consumption of the industry; ② Objectively and neutrally report on the convenience and speed of pre-made dishes in light of the changing consumption scenarios of the younger generation consumers; ③ Report on pre-made dishes from the perspective of shaping China's food safety image.