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Once upon a time, our traditional meal plate consisted of hot rice, aromatic sambar, a side dish, pickle, and curd. Ah! The taste and health benefits were unmatched. However, times have changed. The vocabulary of our kitchens is evolving. Quinoa, kale, avocado, and nut butter—these new names have crossed the boundaries of metro cities and reached the middle-class homes in small towns.
So, what is causing this silent revolution in the Indian meal plate? The influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook plays a significant role. Wellness influencers raising health awareness and attractive advertisements by big companies are changing our eating habits. Post-COVID, the realization that health is wealth has increased among everyone.
There is an interesting aspect to this new trend. While there is a craze for foreign superfoods on one hand, our traditional foods are making a comeback in a new form on the other. Millets like ragi, jowar, and bajra from our grandmother’s time are now considered cool! Companies are introducing products like ragi biscuits, baked chips made from jowar flour, and protein lassi in the market. Giant companies like Reliance, ITC, and Amul are witnessing significant growth in this healthy snack segment.
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Who are the biggest influencers of this change? Our younger generation! Prakhar Agarwal, a 24-year-old from Gorakhpur, has convinced his parents to switch from regular chips to ragi chips and quinoa puffs. ”I prefer snacks that do not contain palm oil. I learn about new healthy brands on social media and decide after reading about their ingredients,” he says. The same story is true for Shubh Agarwal’s family in Raipur. After his father developed health issues, the entire family switched to a protein-rich diet on the advice of doctors.
This health awareness is good, but experts issue a word of caution. According to Dr. Pavan Dhoble from Mumbai, ”People are blindly following everything they see on the internet without understanding their body’s needs.” For example, there is a belief that most Indians are allergic to dairy products (lactose intolerance). However, studies show that only a quarter of the population has this issue.
Therefore, before following trends, it is important to understand what suits our body. Welcome new tastes, but do not forget the old lessons of health. Keep a balance on your meal plate, and health will be with you!
WHAT HAPPEND: The article discusses the shift in Indian dietary habits, influenced by social media and wellness influencers. Traditional Indian foods are being replaced or complemented by superfoods like quinoa and kale, even in smaller towns. Major companies are capitalizing on this trend by introducing health-focused products. However, experts caution against blindly following trends without understanding individual health needs.
TELL ME MORE
The shift towards healthier food options in India is significantly influenced by social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Wellness influencers and attractive advertisements by large companies are changing traditional eating habits.
Traditional Indian grains like ragi, jowar, and bajra are making a comeback in modern, health-conscious forms.
Major companies like Reliance, ITC, and Amul are expanding their product lines to include healthier snack options.
Experts caution against blindly following internet trends without understanding individual dietary needs.
CONTEXT
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the dietary habits of Indian households. Traditionally, Indian meals consisted of staples like rice, sambar, vegetables, pickles, and yogurt, which were both tasty and nutritious. However, with the advent of globalization and the influence of social media, new food items such as quinoa, kale, avocado, and nut butter have become popular, even in smaller towns.
This change is largely driven by social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where wellness influencers and attractive advertisements from large companies promote these new foods. The COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened awareness about health, leading people to prioritize nutritious diets.
Interestingly, while foreign superfoods are gaining popularity, there is also a resurgence of traditional Indian grains like ragi, jowar, and millet. These grains are being reintroduced in modern forms such as biscuits, baked chips, and protein-rich drinks by major companies like Reliance, ITC, and Amul.
The younger generation is playing a crucial role in this dietary revolution, often influencing their families to adopt healthier eating habits. However, experts caution against blindly following trends without understanding individual dietary needs, as this can lead to health issues. It is important to balance new food trends with traditional dietary wisdom to maintain overall health.