Perhaps the most significant change brought about by the pandemic is a growing interest in healthy living and ways that it can be achieved.
If there is one thing that COVID-19 made individuals understand, it’s adjusting to smart and healthy eating habits. Besides providing nutrition to our bodies, they make us smart in the longer run. The pandemic has made it possible for all of us to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps the most significant change brought about by the pandemic is a growing interest in healthy living and ways that it can be achieved. In this way, the food businesses are investigating every possibility as they acquire imaginative recipes as a solution to the developing interest in the consumption of healthy food. With the evolving patterns, individuals’ taste senses have developed to get meals that balance both their desires as well as hold their well-being in check writes Vikas D Nahar , Founder & CEO – Happilo.
Focusing on healthy eating likewise implies being aware of food sourcing. A rising segment of buyers is showing an inclination for natural and straight-from-the-farm produce. In a survey, 85% expressed that while buying ready-to-eat snacks, they take exceptional note of their brand, packing, and health benefits. 40% said that their eating habits had expanded because of the Covid-19 stay-at-home routine.
A few habits that were set off by the pandemic have stayed with consumers. As per a study, snacking as a pattern proceeds to grow and evolve as 8 in 10 (83%) Indians say they eat various tidbits today when contrasted with what they consumed a long time back. An annual survey by The Harris Poll for one of the world’s largest snacking companies, covering over 250 respondents in India, found that a similar number of buyers envision there will be more snack choices to choose from in the next three years. As 74% like to eat numerous small meals over the day, rather than a few huge ones, some meals are getting replaced by snacking. Consumers said they are searching for snacks to improve emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
According to a survey conducted by a global market research company, eating recurrence has expanded quickly over the last year and has traded customary dinners for some people. Healthy snacking has turned into the go-to thing, while items with low-grade packaging, utilizing additives and other harmful ingredients are tracking down the market a lot harder nowadays. Expressions like ‘Free from Gluten’, ‘Free from Artificial Colours’, and ‘No Preservatives’ are unexpectedly in vogue.
As per a recent survey led by a statistical surveying organization on 3,000 individuals beyond 18 years of age, the market for clean snacks has developed from 10-12 percent to very nearly 20% in the last year. 64% of the participants responded that the deep-rooted example of three complete dinners has been supplanted by taking different healthy snacks over the day. 47% said that they snack a few times each day, while 27% admitted that they consume snacks even at night.
Today’s closely connected purchaser stays educated regarding new eating regimens and fads, large-scale and micronutrients, carbohydrate levels, and portion controls. Interestingly, even Gen Z is becoming increasingly conscious of what they eat. The Isobar-Ipsos survey in India on Gen Z shows that 78% see themselves as conscious eaters and guarantee their meals are balanced, while 56% follow a predetermined eating regimen, with intermittent fasting being one of the most popular.
Although the COVID-19 lockdown and limitations were in effect, Gen Z still made significant progress in strengthening their immunity by eating healthy food sources and fruits (62%), more so than their endeavors to keep up with proper cleanliness (52%). Gen Z has gained weight during the lockdown, regardless of healthy eating (74%). However, they stay aware of their eating habits, eating healthy and keeping away from oily food (47%).
Snacking and beverages represent 30% of sales of fast-moving consumer goods, as indicated by Nielsen. A new report by economic scientist Mintel said that the perseverance of Covid-19 has placed the focus on how consumers’ dietary and way of life decisions matter.
Nowadays, an impressive number of people prefer healthier snack options over junk foods and sugary snacks. Individuals are bit by bit moving to an eating regimen that is beneficial for well-being. Healthy snacks like dry fruits, protein bars, gluten-free protein munchies, and identical items are turning out to be progressively well-known. Homemade food became the best option for healthy consumption during the pandemic. Despite the pandemic wrapping up, a lot of people still prefer homemade food.
There is no doubt that health and nutrition are set to flourish over the next few decades. With life slowly returning to normalcy, there is a possibility of unhealthy eating habits resurfacing, particularly in metro areas. The healthy habits taken on must be carried forward, people who have started practicing and relishing home cooking continue the same, and eating out does not become a regular affair.
Healthy citizens make a healthy nation. The onus is on us to focus on our well-being and nutrition in post-COVID life. We must carry forward our positive learning concerning good nutritional habits.
