August 4, 2025

In recent years, the health consciousness among consumers has propelled a significant transformation in the Indian packaged food sector. Major players like Britannia, Nestle, and Tata Consumer Products are actively reformulating their products to align with the 'Eat Right Movement'. This initiative, launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in 2018, aims to combat lifestyle diseases and improve public health through better food choices. One of the most notable trends is the reduction of sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats in packaged foods. For instance, Britannia Industries reported a remarkable increase in wholegrain content in its products, up by more than three and a half times between 2018 and 2025, while simultaneously cutting sugar and sodium levels by 3.4% and 11.9%, respectively. Similarly, Nestle India has made strides by reducing sugar content by 6% and salt by 10% across its various product lines. This adjustment comes on the heels of consumer criticism over the sugar levels in products like Cerelac, prompting Nestle to introduce new, refined sugar-free variants of its baby food. Companies are discovering that consumers now demand a balance between taste and health. Shashwat Goenka, vice-chairman of the RPSanjiv Goenka Group, notes that this isn't merely a passing trend but a comprehensive movement encompassing all food categories. Consumers are seeking options that cater to their wellness goals without sacrificing flavor. Tata Consumer Products has also implemented significant changes, reducing added sugar in some of its ready-to-drink products by as much as 30% in recent years and reporting a total sugar reduction of 2,900 tonnes overall in just two years. The company's health and wellness-focused products now constitute 29% of their total offerings. Moreover, Marico has lowered sodium content by 20% in its Saffola brand, focusing on fortifying its edible oils with essential fat-soluble vitamins. Just as solid improvements are happening in packaged food, the alcohol beverage sector is witnessing similar shifts. United Breweries, India's largest beer maker, has launched Amstel Grande, which contains no added sugar. The market for low-calorie, no-alcohol whiskey and beer is notably gaining traction in metropolitan areas, especially among younger generations like Gen Z. Companies like Bira91 see a potential for growth in the low-calorie segment of alcoholic beverages. However, not all industry experts are as optimistic. Manoj Verma, the chief operating officer of Bikaji Foods, shared a candid perspective on healthier food options, emphasizing that there is no truly healthy food, just less unhealthy food. He acknowledges that while companies are preparing for future demands, the market still remains niche. The combined efforts of these food giants signify a larger cultural shift towards health and wellness that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian consumers. With the increasing awareness about unhealthy packaged foods and their implications on health, companies are compelled to innovate to meet the changing needs of the market. This broader movement aims not only to provide consumers with safer and healthier options but also to foster a more health-conscious society as a whole. As the landscape continues to evolve, the hope is that this newfound commitment to health will drive long-term benefits for both consumers and the food industry.

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Tags: Packaged food, Health movement, Low sugar, Nutrition, Food industry,