How India’s diet is changing: More protein, but even more fat

India's protein consumption is rising

Indians are consuming more protein-rich foods today than a decade ago, but the rise in fat intake has been even sharper—possibly explaining the country’s growing obesity concerns, according to a Moneycontrol analysis of the latest report released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Between 2011–12 and 2023–24, average protein consumption rose marginally by 1–3 grams across rural and urban households. In contrast, fat intake rose steeply—by 12–14 grams per person per day over the same period.

In 2023–24, rural households consumed an average of 61.8 grams of protein daily, up from 60.7 grams in 2011–12. Urban households consumed 63.4 grams, up from 60.3 grams.

However, fat consumption jumped significantly. Rural fat intake increased from 46.1 grams to 60.4 grams, while urban consumption grew from 58 grams to 69.8 grams.

This shift is linked to a broader transition away from cereals toward protein sources such as meat, fish, and eggs, as detailed in the MoSPI report based on household consumer expenditure surveys.

Calorie Consumption: Urban Up, Rural Down

Interestingly, while fat and protein intake rose, total calorie consumption in rural areas fell slightly—from 2,233 kcal in 2011–12 to 2,212 kcal in 2023–24. In contrast, urban calorie consumption rose to 2,240 kcal, up from 2,206 kcal.

Urban households also consumed more of key nutritional items. Milk and milk products accounted for 12.9 percent of the urban diet, compared with 11 percent in rural areas. Meat, eggs, and fish made up 14 percent of urban consumption, while contributing 12.4 percent in rural areas.

Nutrition Inequality: Obesity and Malnutrition Coexist

The report also highlights India’s persistent nutritional inequality. The bottom 5 percent of rural and urban earners consumed just 1,688 kcal and 1,696 kcal daily, respectively—well below the recommended threshold of 2,000–3,000 kcal per day.

In stark contrast, the top 1 percent of urban households consumed an average of 3,092 kcal per day, exceeding nutritional norms and highlighting a growing obesity risk.