Pune, Oct 23: As Indian consumers increasingly seek high-protein and better-for-you food options, understanding product labels, ingredients and processing methods is becoming an important part of everyday grocery shopping. From checking protein content and serving sizes to understanding storage instructions and food processing technologies, informed food choices are gaining prominence among consumers looking to balance nutrition, quality and convenience.
Sharing insights on the subject, Dr. Manika Singh, Nutritional Consultant, Godrej Industries Group and Health Communications Advisory – Godrej Foods Ltd. and Godrej Jersey, highlights the importance of understanding packaged and frozen foods beyond the information displayed on the front of the pack.
While front-of-pack claims often attract consumer attention, the ingredient list and nutritional information provide valuable details that can help consumers make informed decisions. Understanding serving sizes, protein content, ingredients and storage instructions enables consumers to assess products in the context of their individual dietary needs and preferences.
The need for greater awareness is particularly relevant in the frozen food category. According to the STTEM 2.0 report by Godrej Yummiez, 85% of Indians are unaware of what IQF means. IQF, or Individually Quick Frozen, is a process in which individual food pieces are rapidly frozen separately, helping maintain their shape, texture and quality. Greater awareness of such technologies can help consumers better understand how frozen foods are processed and preserved.
With increasingly busy lifestyles and evolving household routines, convenience has also become an important consideration in everyday food choices. Frozen foods offer practical meal and snacking options that can be prepared with minimal effort. When combined with clear nutritional information and appropriate storage and handling practices, they can offer consumers greater flexibility in planning their meals.
Beyond nutritional information, quality, hygiene and food safety remain essential considerations. Maintaining appropriate conditions during sourcing, processing, transportation, handling and storage helps preserve the quality and safety of frozen foods. Consumers can also contribute by following the storage, preparation and handling instructions provided on product packaging.
At Godrej Yummiez, the focus on quality and food safety is reflected in the use of IQF technology and the offering of convenient, protein-rich options for everyday consumption. The brand also offers preservative-free products, responding to evolving consumer preferences for convenient food choices.
As consumer awareness continues to grow, transparency around ingredients, nutritional information, processing methods and storage practices will play an increasingly important role in building trust in packaged and frozen foods. Understanding food labels and the processes behind the products they purchase can empower consumers to make choices that better suit their lifestyles and dietary requirements
