India Food Stats

Harichand Megha Dalaya (1921- 2004) was a brilliant engineer-scientist who invented the world’s first spray-dryer for buffalo milk , way back in 1955 — a technological feat, because buffalo milk’s high fat content made spray-drying seem impossible at that time.  That single invention turned surplus buffalo milk into durable powdered form, enabling the huge success of Amul and powering India’s White Revolution . His work lifted rural incomes, stabilized milk supply, and unlocked dairy potential for generations. Many consider Dalaya as the “silent hero” or the “technical backbone” behind Amul’s rise — alongside other legends of Indian dairy.  In 1948, Dalaya earned his Master’s degree in Dairy Technology from Michigan State University.  He also completed an Advanced Business Management program at Harvard Business School in 1950.  His contributions didn’t just help one brand — they helped transform India’s entire dairy landscape, supporting millions of rural livelihood...

Psyllium husk or Isabgol is most commonly recognized as the key ingredient in many over-the-counter laxatives. But there’s much more to this humble husk. Where Psyllium Comes From Psyllium husk is the outer covering of the Plantago ovata seed, a shrub that thrives in the sandy deserts and plains of Gujarat and other arid regions. The husk can be consumed: as a powder, in capsules, or whole, where it resembles tiny wood shavings. Once mixed with water, it transforms into a thick, gel-like substance and that gel is where its magic lies. A Soluble Fiber Superstar Psyllium is almost entirely soluble fibre . Unlike insoluble fiber (which passes through unchanged), soluble fibre absorbs water and turns into a gel during digestion. This gel can: Bind bile acids (which contain cholesterol) Carry them out of the body Reduce the LDL cholesterol that circulates in your bloodstream Just one tablespoon of psyllium gives you about 7 grams of fibre, a big deal considering most adults do not meet the...

When I saw “Millet Bread,” I imagined something super healthy. But Mr. Bakewell’s version has only 11.7% millet flour! Image - OpenFoodFacts.org They probably added just enough to put the word on the label. The primary ingredient is Maida. Reminder: don’t trust the front of the pack — the real story is always hiding on the back.

Saffola Active Cooking Oil used to come as 1 litre (910g) in 2024. The new pack looks almost exactly the same, but if you look carefully, the quantity is now 850g. All images: OpenFoodFacts.org So if you thought you were paying less, you might not realise that you’re actually getting less oil — unless you check the label closely. The food you cook with it may still taste great, but this sneaky reduction in quantity definitely doesn’t feel good!

Vitamin D is one of the simplest nutrients to obtain, yet one of the most commonly deficient across India even though we live in one of the sunniest regions of the world. Your body needs it for strong bones, steady muscles, and a resilient immune system. While our bodies can make it through sunlight, our diets are meant to fill the gap — and that’s where the problem begins. Animal-based foods such as fish, eggs, and milk naturally contain vitamin D₃ , whereas plant-based foods like mushrooms, nuts, and lentils offer small amounts of D₂ . Both forms contribute to our total vitamin D intake, but typically not enough to meet our daily needs. With deficiency rates ranging from 50% to 94% across states , India is facing a quiet nutritional crisis. Vitamin D also plays a key role in helping the intestines absorb  calcium , yet Indians consume only  300–400 mg of calcium per day , far below the  recommended  1,000 mg . If you want to improve your vitamin D levels without ...