What are people eating in South Asia?

Samuel P. Scott, Rasmi Avula, Aklima Parvin and Malay Kanti Mrindha

from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Abstract: The limited data available on diets in South Asia show low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and animalsource foods, and high intake of snacks, sweet drinks, and fried foods. • Diet patterns vary by factors such as age, gender, and wealth; adolescents and men tend to consume more unhealthy foods, while wealthier groups consume more healthy foods without reducing intake of unhealthy foods. • Improving diets in South Asia requires multisectoral actions, including regulation of processed foods, school- and safety net-based interventions, and incentives for the food industry to provide healthier options. • Better data and targeted policies are essential, using advanced and traditional diet assessments to inform context-specific strategies that promote nutritious, affordable diets across diverse South Asian populations.

Keywords: food consumption; food consumption statistics; diet; food affordability; Asia; Southern Asia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-12
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