It’s time for Indians to start munching healthy snacks

If there is one thing that COVID-19 made individuals understand, it’s the importance of adjusting to smart and healthy eating habits. Besides providing nutrition to our bodies, they make us smart in a long 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 the 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.

An individual’s taste perceptions have evolved in response to changing patterns, allowing them to obtain meals that satisfy both their desires and their well-being.

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 stuck 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 ago. 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% of Americans prefer to eat numerous small meals over the course of the day rather than a few huge ones, some meals are getting replaced by snacking. Consumers said they are searching for snacks to improve their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

According to a survey conducted by a global market research firm, eating out has grown rapidly over the last year and has replaced some people’s traditional dinners. Healthy snacking has turned into the go-to thing, while items with a low-grade packaging and utilising 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 organisation on 3,000 individuals beyond 18 years of age, the market for clean snacks has developed from 10 to 12 percent to very nearly 20 percent in the last year. 64% of participants said that taking different healthy snacks throughout the day has replaced the deeply rooted example of three complete dinners. 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, macro- 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 endeavours to keep up with proper cleanliness (52%). Gen Z has gained weight during the lockdown, regardless of healthy eating (74%). They are, however, conscious of their eating habits, eating healthy and avoiding oily foods (47%).

Snacking and beverages represent 30% of sales of fast-moving consumer goods, as indicated by Nielsen. According to a new report by economic scientist Mintel, the persistence of COVID-19 has focused attention on how consumers’ dietary and lifestyle choices matter.

Nowadays, an impressive number of people prefer healthier snack options over junk foods and sugary snacks. Individuals are gradually transitioning to a more health-promoting diet. Healthy snacks like dried fruits, protein bars, gluten-free protein munchies, and identical items are turning out to be increasingly popular. 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.

Vikas D Nahar
CEO & Founder Happilo

There is no doubt that health and nutrition are set to flourish over the next few decades. With life slowly returning to normal, there is a possibility of unhealthy eating habits resurfacing, particularly in metro areas. The healthy habits adopted must be carried forward; people who have started practicing and relishing home cooking should continue the same, and eating out should 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.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members

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