India Witnesses Rapid Surge in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption

The market for ultra-processed food has been growing rapidly in India. Retailer sales were below US$1 billion in the mid-2000s, but by 2019, it reached nearly US$38 billion. According to official health and nutrition reports, UPFs grew at a CAGR of over 13 per cent between 2011 and 2021, making up more than a third of the country's processed food sector. By 2024, the market value had surpassed 2.5 lakh crore, with forecasts showing it could soar to nearly 4 lakh crore in the next five years. This sharp rise indicates changing lifestyles, intensive advertising, and increasing reliance on convenience foods among consumers.

What are Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)?

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are industrially processed food items that are prepared using additives, refined ingredients, preservatives, flavour enhancers and artificial colours. They are processed through several stages, and they have hardly any whole foods. Examples are packaged snacks, sweetened beverages, instant noodles, pre-cooked meals and processed desserts. These are foods which have a long shelf life, convenience, and high taste.

Reasons for Surge in UPF Consumption

• The cities are also experiencing rapid urbanisation, which is fuelling the need to have fast and convenient foods.

• The increase in disposable income makes a greater number of consumers purchase packaged and ready-to-eat foods.

• Hectic schedules and the need to change ways of life lead to increased attractiveness of processed snacks and ready meals.

• The increased retail penetration, such as modern trade and e-commerce, increases the supply of UPFs in India.

• Food companies market and advertise ultra-processed food as appetising and fashionable with aggressive marketing efforts.

• UPFs have a longer shelf life and are easy to store, thus making them convenient to consumers and retailers.

Conclusion

The increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods in India is a manifestation of changing lifestyles, increased availability of ready-to-eat foods, and the shift in consumer needs. Although the market keeps growing at a high rate, the trend creates a necessity for more awareness regarding nutrition, balanced nutrition as well as healthier options. Informed choices will be very important in influencing the long-term population health as UPFs become more common.