😋🍔 India’s Food Habits are Changing - But at What Cost?

A 2023 World Health Organisation (WHO) report shows that India’s spending on ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) went from around $900 million in 2006 to a massive $37.9 billion in 2019. The HCES 2022-23 further reveals that UPFs now make up 9.6% of food budgets in rural areas and 10.64% in cities.

This trend isn’t slowing down. Between 2012 and 2018, the sales of processed foods in India nearly doubled—from $31.30 to $57.70 per person, according to Euromonitor International. Sweet biscuits alone made up over 43% of the UPF market in 2021.

The impact?

Rising obesity rates and severe health risks. The World Obesity Atlas 2023 predicts adult obesity in India will grow by 5.2% annually between 2020 and 2035. Not only that, we're already losing 1% of our GDP due to obesity, and if left unchecked, it could double within the next 30 years.

🍔 Processed Foods Are Replacing Nutrition

Despite the economic growth and increased food availability, India grapples with a significant protein deficiency. The average Indian consumes around 0.6 grams of protein per kg of body weight. This is quite lower than the daily recommended intake of 0.8-1 gram per kilogram. This shortfall of 0.2 to 0.4 g per kg per day is concerning.

High-quality proteins, found in dairy, eggs, soy, and balanced plant-based combinations, provide essential amino acids. A lack of diverse protein sources can contribute to health issues like anaemia and malnutrition.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reinforced this concern in its updated dietary guidelines, highlighting that 56.4% of the country’s total disease burden is linked to unhealthy diets.

Alarmingly, states with higher processed food consumption, such as Punjab and Gujarat, also report elevated rates of anaemia among pregnant women and children. In Punjab, 51.7% of pregnant women and 71.1% of children (aged 6–59 months) are anaemic, while Gujarat fares even worse, with 62.6% of pregnant women and 79.7% of children suffering from anaemia.

🤔 How can this be solved?

Strong consumer protection measures are necessary to counter misleading marketing and curb the rising consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Many packaged products, like breakfast cereals and malt drinks, are falsely promoted as nutritious, leading to poor dietary choices. The Economic Survey 2025 has even suggested banning UPFs in schools, hospitals, and public spaces, along with incentives for healthier food production.

Among other states, Kerala seems to have solved this to some extent. Kerala spends 21.3% of its total food budget on eggs, fish, and meat, and 25.19% on beverages and processed foods, has the narrowest nutrition gap, and ranks as India’s healthiest state.

Increasing GST on UPFs, and strengthening consumer protection laws to prevent deceptive advertising can help raise awareness.

India can take inspiration from other countries by setting strict limits on sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in packaged foods. Clear warning labels on the front of packs and stricter rules on marketing—especially for kids—can help people make better choices. Countries like Brazil, Canada, and the UK have already done this successfully, while Denmark and Mexico have even taxed unhealthy foods.