Key Update

Artificial flavours, colours, and additives are present in a large number of packaged foods sold in India, according to a new report that analysed more than 23,000 food and beverage products across the country. The report, released by NatFirst and its nutrition platform TruthIn, examined over 25 food categories using AI-based analysis tools.

Biscuits, Snacks, and Soft Drinks Under Scanner

Researchers found that more than 80% of packaged biscuits and cookies contained artificial flavours and palm oil. The report also revealed that:

• Around 60–70% of sweetened breakfast products contained artificial additives
• Nearly 80% of extruded snacks were high in sodium
• About 80% of chocolates and desserts exceeded added sugar limits and contained high saturated fat
• Nearly 78% of ready-to-drink dairy beverages were high in added sugar
• Around 98% of carbonated drinks contained artificial additives
• Nearly 90% of convenience meals were high in sodium
• About 96% of convenience meals contained artificial additives

Experts Raise Concerns Over Ultra-Processed Foods

Experts warned that many of these products are consumed daily, including by children, and are often marketed as healthy choices. The report linked rising consumption of ultra-processed foods to increasing cases of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease due to high levels of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives.

The report cited a National Institute of Nutrition study, which found that although 75.4% of consumers read food labels, only 14.7% actually checked ingredient lists. Most consumers mainly looked at expiry dates and brand names.

India’s Obesity Burden Rising

The findings also echo concerns raised in the Economic Survey 2025–26, which linked the growing intake of ultra-processed foods to India’s rising obesity burden. Researchers said consumers should pay closer attention to ingredient lists instead of relying only on calorie counts or marketing claims printed on packaging.

Source: India Today