Bengaluru has the highest claimed awareness of daily protein requirements among five Indian cities, yet 68% of respondents consume less than 41g of protein, according to a new study by PepsiCo India, in association with Euromonitor International and the Indian Institute of Millet Research.
The study, ‘The State of Protein & Fibre in Urban India’, surveyed 1,250 consumers aged 18–50 across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi. Overall, 70% of respondents consume less than 41g of protein, while 61% consume less than recommended levels of dietary fibre.
While 74% claim to know their daily protein requirement, 56% are misinformed. The gap is wider for fibre, with 89% unable to accurately identify the recommended daily intake.
Cost and convenience remain key barriers, with 60% citing high costs and 57% pointing to a lack of convenient, credible protein-focused options. Around nine in 10 consumers want protein to fit more naturally into everyday diets.
Speaking on the study, Dr. Ankita Marwaha, Director R&D LifeScience & India R&D Site Lead, PepsiCo India, said, “As nutrition becomes increasingly central to how consumers think about their health and wellbeing, awareness alone is not enough. What matters is helping people translate credible nutrition knowledge into practical everyday choices.”
Dilip Radhakrishna, Senior Consultant, Euromonitor International, said, “The study highlights a gap between consumers’ interest in protein and fibre and their understanding of daily nutritional needs.”
The study was unveiled at an event supported by CII, bringing together experts from nutrition, public health and industry.
