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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Nutrition labelling: Historical evolution, current practices, and consumer understanding in India
Authors
Lalita Yadav, Dr. Ritu Prakash Dubey
Abstract
The production, sale, and consumption of pre-packaged foods in India
have increased substantially in recent years, underscoring the growing
importance of effective food labelling as a population-level public health
strategy. Nutrition labelling plays a crucial role in enabling consumers to
make healthier food choices by providing essential information on food
packaging. Evidence from Indian studies suggests that while a majority of
consumers report reading nutrition labels, their consistent and effective use
remains limited. A cross-sectional study from New Delhi reported that only
about one-third of consumers always read nutrition labels during the purchase
of ultra-processed foods, with female consumers using labels more frequently
than males. Similar findings were observed among upper-middle and high-income
adults in Delhi, where a high proportion of participants reported reading food
labels and noticing nutrient claims, and women demonstrated better
understanding of nutrition information than men. Recent research from
Coimbatore further indicates that consumers are increasingly relying on
nutrition labels to guide purchasing decisions and adopt healthier eating
habits; however, the impact of labels is moderated by variations in
comprehension and trust. Overall, the existing literature highlights a paucity
of comprehensive, India-wide research examining awareness, understanding, usage
practices, and the influence of nutrition labels on consumer behaviour. Future
studies across diverse income groups, age categories, genders, and regions are
essential to inform the development of clearer, standardized, and more
interpretable nutrition labelling systems and to support evidence-based policy
formulation in India.
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Pages:145-148
How to cite this article:
Lalita Yadav, Dr. Ritu Prakash Dubey "Nutrition labelling: Historical evolution, current practices, and consumer understanding in India". International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 145-148
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