GOWRI MANICKAVASAGAM
Almonds are a preferred snack of vegans and non-vegans across India, says a recent survey.
According to a recent survey conducted between March 3 and 24 IPSOS, a research consulting firm, 91% of the participants try and opt for healthier alternatives whilst snacking. The survey results point out that the Indian consumer’s preferences are 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/some time) 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 cities in 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, the 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, “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, “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 cellular immune responses.”
The survey showcased that overall 72% of the participants 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 the participants 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, “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 every day also reduced central adiposity (belly fat) and waist circumference, all well-established heart disease risk factors.”
