Are We Paying Too Much Attention to Packaged and Processed Foods?

Are We Paying Too Much Attention to Packaged and Processed Foods?

“Don’t eat biscuits with your chai—they’re full of sugar.”
“Stay away from vada pav—too many refined carbs.”
“Instant noodles? Junk.”

We’ve all heard these warnings. The current wave of health consciousness in India has put packaged and processed foods under intense scrutiny. But here’s a provocative thought:
Are we overdoing it?

What Does the Data Say?

Let’s look at the numbers.

• The packaged food market in India is estimated at around ₹3200 billion (USD 40 billion).
  
  
• In contrast, the U.S. packaged food market is valued at over USD 1100 billion, despite having only one-fourth of India’s population.
  
  
• That means, per capita, the U.S. spends 24x more on packaged food than India.
  
  
• Average Indian spends just about ₹5000 per year on packaged foods, which is roughly 10% of their total food expenditure.
  
  

Even if we focus on the affluent segments and double that number, packaged foods still account for only ~20% of total food expenses.

So What’s Really Causing the Health Crisis?

Given that 80–90% of our food is still made at home, how can we blame packaged snacks alone for the rise in obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle diseases?

The issue may not lie in what we’re occasionally snacking on—but in how we’re eating every day:

• Too much oil in everyday cooking
  
  
• Meals overloaded with carbs and lacking veggies or protein
  
  
• Portion sizes that keep growing
  
  
• Lack of diversity in nutrients
  
  

At Bon Happetee, we believe in looking at data, not dogma. According to our accurate Indian food nutrition database, many home-cooked meals are high in calories and carbs—often more than the packaged snacks we love to hate.

Focus on the Bigger Picture

Rather than obsess over the occasional biscuit or packet of noodles, let’s redirect our focus:

• Balance your ghar ka khaana with protein, fiber, and good fats
  
  
• Measure your oil intake—you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up
  
  
• Control portions, even when eating “healthy” food
  
  
• Don’t overeat just because it’s homemade
  
  

Whether it’s from your kitchen or a packet—excess is the real enemy.

TL;DR:

Before blaming processed foods for all our health woes, look at what’s on your daily plate. Sometimes, it’s not about what you eat, but how much and how often.

Keywords: nutrition data, Indian food nutrition data, accurate nutrition data of Indian foods, food database, Indian nutrition database, food intake, portion control, balanced meals, obesity in India, packaged food India