Snack Food Consumption across the Pune Transect in India: A Comparison of Dietary Behaviors Based on Consumer Characteristics and Locations

Abstract

This study examines patterns of snack food consumption (SFC) in the rural-urban-slum transect (RUST) of a large city Pune and its precincts (population 10 million) in India. The transect structure aims to mimic a representative survey for the location capturing differences by age, gender, urbanicity, and socio-economic levels. Dietary data from 1405 individuals were used to describe snacking patterns and other food consumed at different frequencies; extent of physical activity; and Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference of children, adolescents, and adults. Our results indicate high incidence of SFC across all population age groups, gender, socio-economic levels, and locations. A distinctive finding in relation to studies in high income countries is the prevalence of hunger snacking with 70% identifying hunger as the primary reason for SFC. Apart from hunger, particularly for adolescents, peer influence and social interactions played a significant role in SFC. Dietary behaviors of slum dwellers were characterized by three-quarters of them having SFC together with family members at home. SFC supplemented calories for low-income consumers and complemented calorie intake for high income ones. No significant association with BMI is possibly due to obesogenic SFC being likely offset by lower consumption of non-snack food and higher physical activity among poor and slum dwellers. Promoting awareness about diets and lifestyles, improving physical and economic access to healthier snacks and nutrient dense foods can improve diet quality in a large and heterogeneous population such as Pune.

Dietary patterns in North and South India: a comparison with EAT‐Lancet dietary recommendations

“…As reported by a previous study in urban slums, fat food consumption was higher in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods. 23 Because high-fat diets are known to be closely associated with metabolic risks 24 and cardiometabolic risks are rising in low socio-economic groups, added fat consumption needs to be reduced. Our findings are consistent with previous research indicating that Indian diets often lack essential fruits and vegetables, 14 which are critical for addressing widespread micronutrient deficiencies in vitamins A, C and iron, 22 as well as preventing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.…”

Processed foods purchase profiles in urban India in 2013 and 2016: a cluster and multivariate analysis

“…17 A recent study found high incidence of snack food consumption, including bakery products, savoury and sweet snacks among all age groups, gender, socioeconomic levels in the ninth largest Indian city of Pune. 18 The aim of this paper is to analyse the patterns of processed, including ultraprocessed, food purchases in urban India in greater detail at household level. To do this.…”

“…Another study of dietary patterns among factory workers in tier 2 cities of India, Lucknow, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Bangalore, found two of the three distinct dietary patterns associated with high intake of snacks 17. A recent study found high incidence of snack food consumption, including bakery products, savoury and sweet snacks among all age groups, gender, socioeconomic levels in the ninth largest Indian city of Pune 18…”

“… 17 A recent study found high incidence of snack food consumption, including bakery products, savoury and sweet snacks among all age groups, gender, socioeconomic levels in the ninth largest Indian city of Pune. 18 …”

Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP):A Steady Method for Quality Decision Making: A Case Study in Snack Food Industry

“…Roy, Devesh et. all [6] implemented AHP method for comparison of dietary based on consumer location and characteristic.R Miller et. all [7] concluded that Snacks, if added to habitual meal intake, with no compensation for snack energy contribution, are likely over time to lead to positive energy balance.…”