Most food products sold in India fall into the ‘healthy’ and ‘moderately healthy’ categories, as assessed in a recent government-funded study. There are also fewer products that have a low glycemic index.

The new research, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One, sheds light on the nutritional quality of packaged foods in India, revealing both progress and areas in need of improvement.

The study conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), and the University of Reading, UK, analyzed 432 packaged food items across six categories, including breakfast cereals, idlis, and others. Mixes, porridges, soup mixes, beverages and take out snacks.

Nutrient content claims focus mostly on protein, dietary fiber, fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals. Among the products, breakfast cereals had the highest nutritional claims, while oatmeal mixes had the lowest.

The nutritional value of foods was assessed using FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) claims rules and the nutritional traffic light system. The products were classified as ‘healthy,’ ‘moderate healthy,’ or ‘less healthy’ based on their fat, saturated fat, and sugar content.

Most foods, except take-out snacks, fall into the ‘healthy’ or ‘moderately healthy’ categories. ‘Extruded snacks’ are processed foods that are made by forcing ingredients such as cereal flour or starch through a machine using heat, pressure and mechanical force. This process shapes the snacks and gives them their texture and flavor. Examples include puffed chips, cheese curls and some breakfast cereals. These often contain high fat and salt.

The findings showed that more than 80.5% of packaged foods complied with nutrient content claims, suggesting improved nutritional quality in many products. Breakfast cereals had the highest nutritional claims, while oatmeal mixes had the lowest.

However, the analysis revealed trends in some categories:

• The fat content of take-out snacks (such as chips and puffs) was extremely high (96.7%).
• The drink mix was loaded with sugar (65.7%).
• Soup mixes contain excessive sodium, which increases health risks such as high blood pressure.

Lack of low-GI foods for diabetics

One of the key findings was the lack of low glycemic index (GI) foods, which is important for individuals with diabetes. Foods with a low glycemic index release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. This helps diabetics manage their blood sugar more effectively.

While some low-GI options were present in the beverages, idli mix and soup mix categories, most of the products lacked diabetes-friendly options.

The study, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, stressed the need to reformulate products, especially take-out snacks, to reduce harmful fat and sodium levels. It also called for empowering consumers to interpret nutrition labels effectively.

The researchers recommend repeating such studies in different regions of India to monitor the increasing quality of packaged foods and promote healthier choices.

This assessment serves as a wake-up call for the food industry to prioritize public health in product formulation and labeling transparency.