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| Almonds |
Key highlights from IPSOS survey:
- Majority of the participants try to choose healthy snacking items. Top cities include Delhi followed by Mumbai and Bhopal. Participants in Chandigarh had the lowest consideration for healthy snacks
- A strong inclination towards homemade snacks was noted amongst both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
- 59% participations worry about their nutrition needs. This was the highest in Ahmedabad (83%) and lowest inBhopal (45%)
- Interestingly, vegan and gluten-free diet was most common across participants from Bhopal and Ahmedabad respectively
- Fruits are the most common snack preferred by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
- A higher consumption of almonds is seen amongst vegetarians(74%) as compared to non-vegetarians (68%)
- Snacking on raw almonds is most preferred in cities such as Ahmedabad (86%), Coimbatore (67%), Chennai (65%) and Hyderabad (55%)
- In terms of taste, most participants preferred ‘salt’ (56%), followed by ‘sweet’ (49%) ‘hot& spicy’ (47%)
- Most participants snack once a day (57%), in the evening (between 4 -7 PM). Snacking twice a day is common in Ahmedabad (71%) and Bhopal (50%)
- Snacking for both categories is most common while viewing the television and when hungry in between meals
- ‘Crunchy’ is the first thought that comes to mind to majority of participants (46%) amongst both vegetarians' and non-vegetarians across the age groups when thinking of snacking.This is followed by healthy (41%)
- Weight gain (22%) followed by inadequate nutrients (21%) are top concerns associated with snacking, participants in Jaipur (55%) were most concerned about weight gain
INDIA, July, 2020:In today's fast-paced world, snackinghas become
an integral part of many Indians daily diet and routine. This is especially
true in the current context, as people across several parts of the country are
practicing social distancing. With family members working from home, and
children as well as the youth attending school and colleges virtuallythe
opportunity and tendency to snackhas also increased. While the idea of snacking
encompasses a variety of foods, it’s interesting to note that over the past few
years, there has been a consciouschange inpeople’s preferences and habits, and a
stronger inclination is seen towards healthier snacking items.
According to a
recent survey conducted between 3rd to 24th March by
IPSOS, a research consulting firm, 91% of the participants tryand opt for healthieralternatives
whilst snacking.The survey results point out that the Indian consumer’s
preferencesare skewed towards mindful and healthy snacking.
The
quantitative survey by IPSOS aimed to identify the snacking habits and
preferences amongst a group of people whose dietary preferences were divided
into two categories - ‘vegetarian and non- vegetarian’. Overall, the results
indicate that the participants across both categories prefer to snack on healthy
and nutritious food items such as almonds and fruits. In fact, 72% of the participants
mentioned that they consumed almonds (Regular/Often/Sometime) primarily owing
to the perceived health benefits of regular consumption; almond consumption was
highest in Delhi (93%), Mumbai (82%) and Chennai (79%).
A total of 4,064
SEC A men and women, between 18-50 years were interviewed across 11 citiesin
India, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Jaipur,
Coimbatore, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
The survey also highlighted that
most of the participants- vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians preferred
snacking on homemade items (53%). Additionally, preference for healthier snacking
options such as fruits and almonds specifically was also noticed in participants
within the age band of 41-50 years. Besides that, the survey observed that
women in India were more worried about nutrition needs (63%) when compared to men
(53%).
Commenting
on the survey, Sheela Krishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, said,
“The fact that a larger percentage of women have shown an interest in opting
for healthier snacks is a good sign, and in the long run, this can help trigger
a shift towards leading healthier lifestyles. For many households in India,
women have complete charge of the family’s nutrition and meal plan, and a
higher awareness amongst them can lead to the entire family adopting healthier
alternatives. This trend of snacking on healthy foods like almonds is a
positive change, and I strongly recommend to continue to eat a handful every
day as they are a source of nutrients such as protein, fiber, iron, folate,
copper, healthy fats etc. and known to be beneficial for weight management,
heart health and diabetes management.”
According to Ritika Samaddar, Regional
Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare –
Delhi,“It’s interesting to note that
people across India, including metro as well as non-metro cities, are slowly
changing their view of snacking. Whether it’s choosing homemade snacks, fruits
or almonds, the survey highlights a trend that most Indians are moving towards
healthy and mindful snacking options which is very heartening. Almonds in
particular make for a good snack, since they are ‘crunchy’ and ‘healthy’- both
properties that most participants associated with. Added to that, regular
consumption of almonds can also have a positive impact on a person’s immunity
since they are high in Vitamin E, which is known
to stimulate the body’s defenses, enhance humoral and cell immune responses.”
The survey showcased that overall 72% of theparticipants
were aware of the nutrient requirements of the body, participants from
Ahmedabad (89%), Delhi(82%), Chandigarh(80%), Mumbai(78%) showed maximum
awareness and whereas least awareness was seen among theparticipants from
Kolkata (46%). Additionally, amongst both vegetarian and non-vegetarians, 59%
of the participants said they worried about their nutritional needs. While
participants in Ahmedabad (83%) and Chennai (70%) were most concerned,
participating in Bhopal (45%) were least concerned. Weight gain (22%) followed
by inadequate nutrients (21%) emerged as the top concerns associated with
snacking, and while participants in
Jaipur (55%) were most concerned about weight gain, participants in
Bangalore (6%) were least concerned.
In addition to this,Madhuri Ruia, Pilates Expert and Diet &
Nutrition Consultant,said, “By
switching to more wholesome and nutrient rich snacks like almonds, many
families have begun their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. But be sure to
make these changes across the spectrum of snacking timings and occasions, and
inculcate these in all household members – young or old, to see long term
benefits. Snacking on almonds in particular is a good habit that can easily be
adapted by all, as they can be consumed anytime during the day, and pair well
with Indian spices. Besides that, almonds are known to aid in weight
management, which was a key concern amongst most participants. As per a recent
study, snacking on 42 grams of almonds everyday also reduced central adiposity (belly
fat) and waist circumference, all well-established heart disease risk factors[1].”
As India
witnesses a behavioral change in snacking patterns and an overall shift towards
healthier alternatives across the length and breadth of the country, almonds are
a key preferred and healthy snack amongst both vegetarians and non-vegetarians
across all age groups.
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