Health Day: Food trends from 2024 showcase Indians are making healthy choices

Every year World Health Day is observed on April 7 around the world While maintaining health is important a consumers awareness around food health and hygiene has also evolved over the past yearEarlier the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 had predicted a significant shift in consumer choices with a growing focus on clean eating ethical sourcing and mindful consumption Looking back these predictions have not only come true but have also shaped the way India eats todayWith health and wellbeing at the centre of food decisions consumers have become more discerning choosing ingredients that nourish sustain and align with their values The modern Indian family is now more personalized in its food habits than ever before reflecting a strong commitment to healthconscious and sustainable choicesHere are four trends that showcase the consumers choice over the past year1 Cutting back on ultraprocessed foods 942 per cent ndash A shift that stuckA year ago 942 per cent of experts had predicted that consumers would actively reduce their intake of ultraprocessed foods recognising their health risks Today that shift is evident in the way Indian households are choosing fresher minimally processed alternatives From homecooked meals to cleanlabel products the focus on whole foods over conveniencedriven processed options has been a defining trend2 Supporting local farmers and producers 904 per cent ndash A conscious choice that is growing strongerThe emphasis on local sustainable and ethically sourced food was another key forecast in 2024 with 904 per cent of experts predicting that Indian consumers would move towards supporting local farmers and producers Over the past year this movement has only strengthened with more consumers making conscious efforts to buy fresh seasonal and locally sourced ingredients Farmers markets farmtotable initiatives and hyperlocal sourcing have gained prominence reflecting this growing commitment to sustainability and communitydriven food systems3 The rise of clean and safe food choices 788 per cent ndash A hygienedriven evolutionAs projected by 788 per cent of experts food safety and hygiene have taken centre stage in consumer decisions Shoppers have become more vigilant about ingredient sourcing contamination risks and the quality of packaged foods The past year has seen a notable increase in demand for cleanlabel products with brands responding by offering more transparency about their sourcing ingredients and safety measures4 The climatarian movement gains momentum 75 per cent ndash eating for the planetWith sustainability influencing food habits 75 per cent of experts had forecasted that consumers would adopt a climatarian approachmdashfocusing on foods with a lower carbon footprint This prediction has played out strongly with more plantbased eating reduced food waste and an emphasis on seasonal local produce shaping meal choices From alternative protein sources to sustainable packaging the food industry has evolved to cater to this ecoconscious shiftTraditional wisdom meets modern convenienceBeyond these major shifts in food habits the past year has also seen a resurgence of traditional dietary wisdom As predicted consumers have rediscovered local and ancestral food practices blending them with modern convenience From gutfriendly fermented foods to Ayurvedainspired diets the shift towards holistic wellbeing is now more than just a niche trendmdashitrsquos a lifestyleExpert take The future of food and wellbeingRushina Munshaw Ghildiyal managing director of a Perfect Bite Consulting and editor of the annual report says As we look back at the predictions from the Godrej Food Trends Report 2024 it is evident that these shifts in food habits were not just passing trends but conscious lifestyle choices that are here to stay Consumers today are more mindful of what they eat where it comes from and how it impacts their health and the planet From reducing ultraprocessed food to supporting local sourcing and embracing sustainable diets the food landscape is evolving towards a healthier and more responsible futureatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params