India’s protein consumption increases but calorie levels fall short in rural areas

The average calorie intake in India remains below recommended levels in rural areas, a new government report shows. However, protein consumption in these communities appears adequate in rural and urban areas.

The report, “Nutritional Intake in India,” calculates daily calorie, protein, and fat intake based on food consumption data across various socio-economic classes for the periods August 2022 to July 2023 and August 2023 to July 2024.

In rural India, average daily calorie intake declined slightly from 2,233 kcal (2022–23) to 2,212 kcal (2023–24). In urban areas, it dipped from 2,250 kcal to 2,240 kcal. The rural figures are below the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommendation of 2,400 kcal/day for rural adults. Urban averages are slightly above the ICMR’s 2,100 kcal/day guideline.

However, the report reveals some improvement in calorie intake among lower-income groups, suggesting some gains in food access or consumption for the poorest households in 2023–24.

Improvements in protein intake 

Protein intake appears adequate by ICMR standards for sedentary adults. In 2023–24, average protein intake was 61.8 g/day in rural areas and 63.4 g/day in urban areas, exceeding the basic requirement of around 55–60 g/day. 

The “Nutritional Intake in India” report reveals a shift in protein consumption, with cereals, traditionally the dominant source, declining.The protein figures suggest a gradual shift toward protein sufficiency, which addresses concerns about a lack of this macronutrient in Indian diets.

Last February, a study found that most rural Indians lacked sufficient protein intake despite abundant access to legumes, dairy, and animal products. The finding applied to poorer and wealthier households. The research highlighted how deeply ingrained dietary habits, coupled with a lack of understanding about the importance of protein-rich foods, perpetuate malnutrition.

The previous study highlighted a need for more comprehensive solutions beyond food production alone, including methods to shift cultural dietary habits.

The “Nutritional Intake in India” report reveals a shift in protein consumption, with cereals, traditionally the dominant source, declining. However, cereals still comprise 46–47% of protein in rural diets and 39% in urban diets in 2023–24. This share has fallen by around 14% in rural areas and nearly 12% in urban areas since 2009–10. 

The report also shows a rise in protein from eggs, fish, meat, and other foods, including some from dairy.

While India has a majority vegetarian population, dairy is a significant source of animal protein. Despite the nation being the world’s largest milk producer, access to affordable dairy is still a significant issue, Asian Development Bank Institute experts previously told Nutrition Insight.

Nutrition efforts 

The Indian government report reveals that in 2023–24, average daily fat consumption reached 60.4 g in rural areas and 69.8 g in urban regions. This is consistent with or slightly above ICMR’s recommended levels for adults.

This could reflect rising consumption of processed foods, edible oils, and animal-based products in urban diets. Through its 2025–26 budget, the Indian government aims to support nutrition under the Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 initiative while tackling the rising rates of ultra-processed foods.

In April, India celebrated the seventh edition of its annual nutrition awareness drive, Poshan Pakhwada. The drive focused on maternal and infant nutrition, childhood obesity, and increased AI-powered digital access for health monitoring.

Nutrition Insight previously spoke to a researcher about the world’s largest food assistance program, India’s Public Distribution System, who highlighted the initiative’s transformative impacts on child stunting, boosting household income, and curbing the effects of climate shocks.