Last updatedcalendar_monthJul 01, 2026[Report] Five Meals a Day, the Protein Boom, and the Popularity of Japanese Food: Three Current Trends in the Indian Food Market and Exploring Business Opportunities

calendar_monthRelease date: Jul 01, 2026
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Description

While Indian dietary habits are rooted in traditional home cooking, they are evolving due to the growing popularity of food delivery, the increase in dual-income households, rising health consciousness, and greater exposure to international cuisines. Among young people and millennials in urban areas, in particular, a lifestyle that combines home-cooked meals with takeout, dining out, and RTC/RTE foods is becoming increasingly common.
This report analyzes opportunities in the Indian food market based on 7-day food diaries and individual online interviews with 16 employed individuals aged 20 to 40 living in four cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.

Summary

One notable change is the frequency of meals. In India, it is customary to eat 3 to 5 times a day, and the “evening snack” between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in particular has become a key consumption occasion. Samosas, pakoras, chaat, pani puri, instant noodles, and junk food are consumed on a daily basis, making this a market with numerous touchpoints for food brands.

Furthermore, the growing health consciousness cannot be overlooked. With a large vegetarian population, protein deficiency remains a challenge, and an increasing number of consumers are paying attention to protein content and calorie counts. On food delivery apps, protein and calorie information is becoming more prominent. In the beverage sector, interest is expanding in products promoting “no added sugar” or “zero sugar,” as well as in green tea as a healthy drink.

Furthermore, the acceptance of foreign cuisines is on the rise. In addition to Indian, Chinese, pizza, and burgers, Korean and Japanese cuisine are gaining prominence. Japanese cuisine is expanding in popularity, particularly among the affluent and younger generations, as it is perceived as “healthy,” “light,” “refined,” and “Instagram-worthy.”

Research design

Survey Methodology: Food diary entries (7 days) + individual online interviews (60 minutes)
Survey Participants: High-income employed men and women aged 20–40
Survey Locations: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata