Household Consumption Survey 2022-23: Changing Food Spending Trends in India

• 26 Feb 2024

The latest survey reveals a shift in Indian food spending habits, with increased expenditure on milk, fruits, and vegetables surpassing that on cereals.

Key Points:

• Declining Share of Food Spending: Data shows a decreasing portion of total expenditure allocated to food, with a shift towards non-food items.
• Changing Composition of Food Expenditure: Reduced spending on cereals and pulses, replaced by increased expenditure on milk, fruits, and vegetables.
• Preference for protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and meat observed alongside rising consumption of processed foods and beverages.
• Engel Curve Hypothesis: As incomes rise, households allocate a smaller proportion to food, favoring superior items over inferior ones.
• Policy Implications: Promoting production of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and poultry products could align with shifting consumption patterns.
• Market-led growth in sectors like livestock and horticulture suggests potential for further development beyond MSP-focused crops.