Indian women are healthy snackers

As per a study, about 62 per cent of female workers and homemakers prefer munching on almonds and fresh fruits, at all times, to fuel up their energy levels when feeling low

Healthy snacking is a source of energy for a majority of working women and homemakers in India, with nearly 62 per cent of them preferring to munch on almonds and fresh fruits when low on energy, according to a study. The study conducted by market research agency IPSOS found that 95 per cent of respondents preferred to snack healthy at all times, of whom 81 per cent of women ranked almonds as the healthiest snack along with fresh fruits.

The quantitative study aimed to identify snacking preferences of working women and homemakers. A total of 3,055 working

women and women homemakers between 21 and 45 years of age were interviewed across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Bhopal and Visakhapatnam.

Working women and homemakers across the age group want their snack to be healthy yet tasty, while also wanting their snacks to be natural and nutritious, the study found. The findings also reveal that 71 per cent of women are worried about meeting daily nutritional needs. Among cities, women from Pune (99 per cent) and Chennai (87 per cent) are most worried about their nutritional needs while respondents from Mumbai (42 per cent) and Bengaluru (40 per cent) do not worry much about nutritional needs.

“The survey indicates that women across India are turning to snack for keeping pace with demands of a hectic lifestyle. So, having healthy yet tasty snacking options like almonds handy is a good way to overcome the urge to consume unhealthy snacking varieties,” said Harini N B, a Chennaibased clinical nutritionist.

Unlike popular perception, a whopping 81 per cent of working women and homemakers polled said that they are aware of nutrients needed for a healthy lifestyle. Mumbai and Chennai led the way with 94 per cent and 92 per cent awareness while respondents from Jaipur (47 per cent) and Bhopal (61 per cent) being least aware.

“Women are becoming mindful of staying fit and healthy not just for themselves but for the overall wellbeing of their families. However, fast-paced lifestyles and erratic habits have led to deteriorating intake of daily nutritious essentials leading to lifestyle related disorders,” said Mumbai based nutritionist and fitness expert Madhuri Ruia.