73% Indians prefer reading ingredient lists, nutritional value of snacks: Report

Food for thought: A recent survey has revealed that there is a significant shift in consumer behavior in India, with 73 per cent of Indians now preferring to observe and read ingredient lists and nutritional information before buying snacks. 

The Healthy Snacking Report 2024, based on responses from over 6,000 participants across the country, was released on Sunday to shed light on evolving consumption trends in India. The report has stated that 73 per cent of respondents prioritise checking labels for ingredients and nutritional value before making snack purchases.

Besides, 93 per cent of these individuals said they are keen on switching  to healthier snack options, underscoring a clear link between label reading and a preference for healthier choices. This trend emphasises the growing demand for transparency and healthier snacking alternatives among Indian consumers.

FSSAI asks for labelling 

Notable to mention that food regulator, Food Standards Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive which seeks  labelling of sugar, salt and saturated fat to be done in bold fonts on packaged food packets. The FSSAI making labelling mandatory comes after several companies were found violating the nutritional value of food products. Besides , the central government has asked the advertisers of food and medicines to furnish an annual self-declaration certificate on their claims in the ads. 
Earlier this year, allegations of FMCG major Nestle selling low-sugar baby food in Europe while selling high-sugar content similar food in India had led to a major public outcry. SImilarly Yoga guru Ramdev led Patanjali’s false claims of cure with its medicines had drawn the ire of Supreme court. It becomes crucial to know if the FSSAI directive on labelling of salt, sugar, and saturated fat on packaged food items becomes a deterrent for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies.