Regional Focus India’s snack
market moves away from palm oil
As Indian consumers increasingly prioritise health in their snack choices, major brands like PepsiCo are adapting to meet their demands. The shift away from palm oil reflects a larger trend towards transparency and healthier ingredients.Dr Anamika Banerji, Research Analyst, Food and Drink for Mintel Reports India, tells us more.
A
s Indian consumers become increasingly health-conscious, salty
snacks market
the is
undergoing a significant transformation.
The traditional reliance
on palm oil as a key ingredient in snacks is being questioned. According to a recent Mintel Report on Salty Snacks in India, 39% of consumers agree that snacks made with palm oil are unhealthy. This sentiment is particularly strong among metro dwellers, who drive the demand for palm oil-free alternatives. PepsiCo India’s recent initiative to trial sunflower oil and palmolein as replacements for palm oil in their popular Lay’s crisps is a commendable step towards aligning with consumer preferences. This move addresses health concerns and reflects a growing trend where consumers seek transparency in product ingredients. It is essential for brands to communicate these changes effectively, as Mintel’s latest consumer data indicates that 50% of metro-dwelling consumers consider snacks made with palm oil unhealthy, and 39% of palm-oil-free claim seekers are willing to pay more for such products. This clearly indicates that the palm-oil-free claim will likely gain more traction in the future. Revant Himatsingka, widely recognised as Food Pharmer, has emerged as a leading voice
14 Kennedy’s Bakery Production April/May 2024
in the crusade against unhealthy eating habits and the adverse effects of certain ingredients, particularly palm oil. Through his platform, Himatsingka sheds light on the pervasive use of palm oil in packaged foods, drawing attention to its high saturated fat content and its implications for both personal health and environmental sustainability. Food Pharmer’s content serves as a call to action for his followers to scrutinise product labels, educate themselves about the impact of their food choices, and advocate for healthier alternatives. By leveraging his influence, Himatsingka sparks conversations around the ethical considerations of palm oil production, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and the
displacement of communities. indigenous Himatsingka collaborates with nutritionists, environmentalists, and
sustainable food advocates to amplify his message and provide his audience with credible information and actionable steps towards healthier living. His engaging storytelling and accessible approach make complex topics understandable
and relatable, empowering
his followers to make informed decisions that align with their values and contribute to positive change.
In the realm of snacking, Food Pharmer encourages his audience to seek out snacks made with responsibly sourced ingredients, free from harmful additives and excessive processing. He emphasises the importance of transparency in food labelling and advocates for greater awareness of the hidden sources of unhealthy fats in everyday products.
As awareness increases and more brands enter the space, we can expect this trend to become a significant factor in consumer purchasing decisions, with a range of healthier oil alternatives taking centre stage in product formulations”
bakeryproduction.co.uk
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