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Consumption of foods high in fats, salt, and sugar in India: Prevalence, patterns, and policy imperatives

Author

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  • Kishore, Avinash
  • Chakrabarti, Suman

Abstract

Calorie-dense foods high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar (HFSS) now account for nearly one-fifth of household food budgets in India, with US$62 billion spent on these foods in 2023/24. This surpasses spending on fruits, vegetables, pulses, eggs, fish, and meat in both rural and urban India. • Consumption of HFSS foods is near universal: 96 percent of households consumed packaged ultraprocessed foods, 90 percent purchased paid meals, and 70 percent consumed sugary drinks. • Many widely consumed HFSS foods are home-cooked or bought from unregulated vendors, limiting the impact of regulations designed to reduce consumption, such as taxes or labeling. • Effective policy requires integrated tools, including front-of-package labeling, nutrition education, and engagement with informal vendors to curb rising HFSS demand and mitigate health risks including obesity and diabetes.

Suggested Citation

  • Kishore, Avinash & Chakrabarti, Suman, 2025. "Consumption of foods high in fats, salt, and sugar in India: Prevalence, patterns, and policy imperatives," IFPRI book chapters,, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifpric:178080
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/178080
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Menon, Purnima & Olney, Deanna K., 2024. "Advancing nutrition: Food system policies and actions for healthy diets," IFPRI book chapters, in: Global food policy report 2024: Food systems for healthy diets and nutrition, chapter 1, pages 8-17, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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    1. Kishore, Avinash & Swaminathan, Soumya & Scott, Samuel P. & Avula, Rasmi & Menon, Purnima, 2025. "Policy entry points for healthy diets in India: Insights from three consultations," Project notes 179208, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

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