Indians spending less on food, says national survey

Indians are eating badly; and the trend is getting worse each year. Data from the 68th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) shows that the share of food in total expenditure has reduced both in rural and urban areas. This is despite the fact that food is getting progressively more expensive.

Spending more on unhealthy foods

Amongst the 14 food groups considered by the NSS, the share of beverages, refreshments and processed foods in total consumer expenditure in rural areas has increased from 4.2 per cent to 5.8 between 1993-94 and 2011-12. In urban areas, it has decreased marginally from 7.2 to 7.1 per cent. But urban Indians need not rejoice as between 2010-11 and 2011-12, the share of these products in total consumer expenditure increased from 6.3 to 7.1 per cent. This category includes tea, coffee, mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juice and soda water. Products such as cocoa, biscuits, cakes, pastries, pickles, sauce, jam, jelly and salted foods are also included. These foods are high in sugar, salt and fats, which have adverse health effects such as chronic diseases.