In a world where taste often takes top priority, a surprising trend has emerged in India – the trend of prioritizing nutrition over taste, especially when it comes to snacking. Recent findings from a global survey commissioned by Wonderful Pistachios in association with leading research consultancy Material have revealed some fascinating insights into the food preferences of urban Indians. Read on for the full findings that show the importance of nutrition to Indians.
Indians prioritize nutrition when snacking, surpassing global average
Nutrition is the foundation of our health, influencing everything from physical health to cognitive function. While taste tantalizes our palate in the short term, it is the nutritional content of food that sustains us in the long term. In a fast-paced world where health is a growing concern, making informed food choices has become paramount.
The study surveyed over 2,400 shoppers across six major Indian cities to delve into the snacking habits of urban Indians. The results were a startling 58% of respondents whose food purchasing decisions are primarily based on nutritional value rather than taste, which is significantly higher than the global average.
Insights from the report:
- Nine in 10 urban Indian consumers actively seek out protein-rich foods, higher than the global average. This focus on protein reflects a growing awareness of the importance of protein in maintaining a balanced diet.
- When choosing snacks, Indian consumers prioritise qualities like natural ingredients, heart healthy, protein content, energy providing properties etc. These factors take precedence over mere taste satisfaction in the consumer decision-making process.
- Nuts have emerged as a favourite snack, with a staggering 86% of Indian shoppers having purchased nuts in the last six months.
- Urban Indians are more likely to read nutrition labels than the global average, indicating they are increasingly making informed purchasing decisions.
- Notably, 69% of urban Indian consumers believe that plant-based proteins are as good as meat-based proteins, certainly indicating a positive trend towards diverse dietary preferences.
Read also: According to nutritionists, pizza is a healthier, more balanced breakfast choice than cereal. Here’s why:
The future of snacks in India
The survey findings highlight a major cultural shift in Indian eating habits. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are leading health-conscious purchasing decisions. A majority of them read nutrition labels before purchasing. This trend is not limited to a particular age group but crosses generations. Both Baby Boomers and Gen Z prefer nutritious snacks like nuts.
The bustling metropolis of Mumbai has emerged as a leader in health-conscious snacking choices, with other cities such as Chennai following suit with specific preferences. The rise of nuts as a daily staple reflects a nationwide shift towards more nutritious options and marks a departure from traditional taste-driven choices. The future of snacking in India seems firmly rooted in nutrition and health principles.
Cover image courtesy of Canva
