Study of Availability, Pattern of consumption and Proximate Principles of Ready to Eat Packaged Diet and Regular Snacks, in the city of Mumbai

Abstract

The present study on the availability, pattern of consumption and proximate principles of Ready to eat packaged (RTEP), Regular and Diet snacks was conducted in the city of Mumbai. 36 Shopkeepers and 100 consumers from different areas of Mumbai were interviewed as per semi-structured questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Shopkeepers were asked about the availability, shelf life and sale of RTEP regular and Diet snacks. Consumers were also individually interviewed about their dietary patterns and their preference of regular and diet RTEP snacks. Fives type of frequently consumed RTEP snacks (Khakhara, Chivada, Chakri, Wafers (Banana) and Biscuits (Khari)) (regular and their diet variety) were selected and 250 grams of each of them were coded and given for analysis of proximate principles to an ISO-9000 certified laboratory. It was observed that a wide variety of RTEP Diet snacks are available in the city of Mumbai. RTEP diet snacks are perceived as more expensive by shopkeepers and consumers. Chivada, Khakara and Biscuits (Khari) are most widely consumed regular and diet snacks. Consumption of Diet RTEP snacks depends on age, gender, religion and the family income of the consumer. Only RTEP Diet Khakhra comply with the standards and are a good option for those who wish to consume less calorie and fat in their meals. Other RTEP Diet snacks do not have less than 3 grams of fat per serving. Caution should be taken as salt content in Diet Khakhra, Chivada and Chakri is more by 52%, 10% & 136% respectively than their regular variety.