A stark gap between health awareness and actual dietary habits has left Kolkata facing a major macro-nutritional deficitAccording to a newly released study by PepsiCo India, conducted in collaboration with Euromonitor International and the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), local consumers are critically falling short on both protein and fibre intake.
The report, titled “The State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India,” surveyed 1,250 respondents aged 18–50 across five major metrosThe specific findings for Kolkata paint a concerning picture of urban nutritionAn overwhelming 90% of local respondents are misinformed about their daily dietary fibre requirementsFurthermore, 61% of residents consume significantly less fibre than medically recommended levels, with 72% blaming a lack of convenient, credible, and fibre-focused food alternatives in the retail market.
The city’s protein intake tells a similar story of misplaced confidenceWhile 71% of Kolkata consumers claim to be aware of protein’s importance, 59% lack accurate knowledge regarding their actual daily biological needsThis structural disconnect reflects heavily on their plates, as 67% of residents consume less than 41 grams of protein daily.
This regional trend mirrors a broader national challenge across the urban landscapeAcross India, 89% of urban consumers misunderstand fibre metrics, and nearly seven in ten cite a distinct shortage of practical, healthy choicesUnveiled at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event, public health experts gathered to discuss making nutritious options more accessible.
“Awareness alone is not enough,” emphasized DrAnkita Marwaha, R&D Site Lead at PepsiCo India“What matters is helping people translate credible nutrition knowledge into practical, everyday choices.” Dilip Radhakrishna, Senior Consultant at Euromonitor International, added that this deficit underscores an urgent opportunity for stronger industry-wide nutrition education and clearer product communication.
