India’s protein intake remains suboptimal, with a modest increase in protein sources and disparities across states.
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Focusing on protein intake may be emerging as a key priority for India urban elites, but latest data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) shows that the country’s protein intake has seen just modest gains over the past year.
The NSSO report on India’s nutrition intake, released last week showed that average protein intake per person per day stood at 63.2 grams in FY23 for urban India and this went up to just 63.4 grams in FY24. Similarly, for the rural population , this has dipped from 61.9 grams to 61.8 grams per person per day from FY23 to FY24.
However, an analysis of protein sources reveals positive diet shifts.
Though cereals continue to be the primary source of protein, their share has declined sharply over the last 10 years and this has been offset by an increase in the share of protein derived from eggs, fish, meat, milk products, and other food items in both rural and urban India.
In FY24, cereals contributed around 46 per cent of protein intake in rural areas and 39 per cent in urban India. But this was a reduction from 60 per cent share in rural and 51 per cent share of urban India in FY10. Simultaneously, in both rural and urban parts of the country, the protein intake from milk/milk products, egg/fish/meat, and ‘other foods’ has increased in share.
Overall, the average per capita per day calorie intake in rural India was 2233 Kcal and 2212 Kcal in FY23 and FY24 respectively, while the corresponding figures for the two years in urban India were 2250 Kcal and 2240 Kcal respectively. The numbers suggest a similarity in the pattern of average per day per capita calorie intake in both rural and urban India.
The NSSO study notes that proteins are among the most important nutrients required by the body and should be available in an adequate amount in the diet. “Some foods contain high amounts of protein and can be classified as protein-rich foods. Examples of such foods are animal products like meat, fish and egg, and plant foods like pulses, oilseeds and nuts,” it adds.
Experts note that India’s protein intake meets the minimum dietary requirements for sedentary adults but falls short of the optimal intake needed for a healthier and more active population.
“India’s protein intake has improved modestly over the years, but it remains suboptimal especially when considering protein quality, body weight requirements, and diverse population needs. We might be meeting the quantity for an ideal weight person, but we still lack the actual requirements for active or vulnerable age groups,” Madhura Paroolkar Behki, Nutritionist Expert, Cult, said.
Further, Behki said that the decline in the share of cereals in protein intake marks a positive shift toward dietary diversification in India.”This shift can indicate better awareness, right availability or even change in food habits. It also says that people are now shifting to different food choices like pulses, dairy, or meat for better protein intake.”
State-wise NSSO data on protein intake reveals significant disparities. Kerala reported the highest rural protein intake at 73.9 grams per person per day, while Gujarat was the lowest at 54.7 grams. In urban areas, Kerala leads at 72.4 grams closely followed by Bihar (70.5 grams) and Punjab (68 grams), whereas states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra remain at the lower end, around 58-58.5 grams per day.
Published on July 7, 2025
