Snacking has become an integral part of many Indians daily diet and routine these days. A recent survey conducted across 11 cities in India between 3 to 24 March by IPSOS (a research consulting firm) revealed that 91% of the participants try and opt for healthier alternatives whilst snacking. The IPSOS-sponsored survey aimed to identify the snacking habits and preferences among 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 primarily owing to the perceived health benefits of regular consumption; almond consumption was highest in Delhi (93%), Mumbai (82%) and Chennai (79%). Preference for healthier snacking options such as fruits and almonds specifically was also noticed in participants within the age band of 41-50 years. Welcoming the survey findings, Sheela Krishnaswamy (Nutrition and Wellness Consultant), Ritika Samaddar (Regional Head – Dietetics, Max Healthcare Delhi) and Madhuri Ruia (Pilates Expert and Diet & Nutrition Consultant) opined that as India is witnessing a behavioural 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 among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
