Indian Dining Trends: Group Meals & Healthier Bites Rise

Heading out to eat or grab a snack in India? You’re probably doing it with friends, not alone, and reaching for healthier options. This shift in how we spend on food and drinks outside the home is changing the game for brands.

Over the past year, the overall volume of out-of-home (OOH) food and beverage consumption actually saw an 8.6% decline. This doesn’t mean we’re staying home entirely, but rather becoming more selective about our outings.

The Group Effect on Your Plate

• Consumption among groups of five or more has jumped from 34% to 43% in just two years.
• Meanwhile, solo consumption has dipped from 29% to 23%, showing fewer individual quick bites.

This trend suggests that consumers are getting pickier about their OOH experiences. K Ramakrishnan, managing director, South Asia, Worldpanel by Numerator, pointed out this creates a big chance for brands to tweak their messages and pack sizes, perhaps with some clever promotions or discounts.

Healthier Choices and Monthly Spikes

Beyond who we’re eating with, what we’re choosing is changing too. Health has become a major factor in OOH consumption, with healthy snacks, drinks, and even sports beverages seeing notable growth.

Companies like Danone India are already on it, looking to meet India’s nutritional needs and drive future growth in this evolving market. Interestingly, there’s also a spike in OOH consumption during the last week of the month, especially among younger and less affluent households.

So, next time you’re out, whether it’s with your crew or for a quick, healthy bite, know that your choices are part of a bigger trend reshaping India’s spending economy.