Impact of Covid-19 on the nutrition choices of urban Indian consumers in 2021

Delhi, December 24, 2021: Covid-19 forced us to re-evaluate the ways we live, work, learn and consume information and it continues do so. The pandemic brought attention and focus to the importance of health and wellness. Inline, with PepsiCo India’s commitment towards creating awareness about a healthy & sustainable diet. PepsiCo India did a special study with London-based market research major Euromonitor International on “Impact of Covid-19 on the nutrition choices of urban Indian consumers in 2021”.

The study was conducted involving 1,000 respondents in the age group of 18-50 years, focusing on urban millennials in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The study analysed the eating habits that changed during Covid-19, 49% urban consumers started eating late breakfast and 62% eat late dinner due to increased household chore, due to delayed meal timings over 70% urban Millennials feel lack of energy. While millennials believe breakfast should be rich in protein and fiber making nutritious and tasty breakfast takes time.

The study also featured, millennials focusing on improved physical and mental health. Where 71% urban consumers are concerned about stress/anxiety and overall health, 89% urban consumers are becoming health conscious and are eating more home cooked food and Nearly 60% millennials started yoga practice and walking/running during COVID.

Additional key highlights from the finding were changing buying behaviour while shopping for breakfast cereals, 53% urban consumers are becoming ingredient conscious for breakfast cereals and over Nearly 90% urban consumers are willing to pay more for healthy alternatives and 53% still shop from offline stores such as shops, grocery stores and supermarkets and for 51% urban millennials, Nutritionist recommendation play an important role during purchase of food items.

* “All reported findings are based on respondents’ statements and actual changes in behaviors or preferences may differ. Further, the figures shared are only representative of the population surveyed and extrapolating to the entire population is done at the user’s own risk with no warranty or representations from Euromonitor International”

About Quaker Oats:

Quaker Oats was launched in India in 2006. The brand Quaker is more than 140 years old and is a world leader in the oatmeal segment. As a brand, Quaker Oats is always tapping suitable occasions and moments to add a touch of nutrition for the youth who are seeking lasting energy through the day. Quaker has also created a special platform on its YouTube channel - Content Hub - to offer an array of easy-to-make nutritious, yet flavourful, recipes. Quaker Oats is a 100% wholegrain and natural source of carbohydrates and dietary fibre. It has unique soluble fibre called βeta Glucan, which is scientifically proven to help reduce cholesterol (cholesterol is a risk factor for heart diseases). In India, Quaker Oats are also available in variants such as Quaker Plain Oats, Quaker Oats Multigrain and Quaker Oats with Flavour Mix.

Quaker Oats as a brand is always tapping suitable occasions and moments to add a touch of nutrition for the youth who are seeking lasting energy through the day. Quaker has also created a special platform on its YouTube channel - Content Hub - to offer an array of easy-to-make nutritious, yet flavourful, recipes.

About Euromonitor International:

Euromonitor International is the world’s leading provider of global business intelligence, market analysis and consumer insights. From local to global and tactical to strategic, Euromonitor’s research solutions support decisions on how, where and when to grow your business. Euromonitor helps find the right report, database, or custom solution to validate priorities, redirect assumptions and uncover new opportunities. With offices around the world, analysts in over 100 countries, the latest data science techniques and market research on every key trend and driver, Euromonitor helps you make sense of global markets.

About PepsiCo India:

PepsiCo entered India in 1989 and has grown to become one of the largest food and beverage businesses in India. PepsiCo India’s diverse portfolio includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay’s, Kurkure, Tropicana 100%, Gatorade and Quaker. Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. “Winning with Purpose” reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and embed purpose into all aspects of the business. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world is what enables PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. In 2009, PepsiCo India achieved a significant milestone, by becoming the first business to achieve ‘Positive Water Balance’ in the beverage world, a fact verified by Deloitte Touché Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd. The company has been Water Positive since then.

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