Have you ever had a situation when you came back home starving but the thought of chopping vegetables and then preparing your meal exhausted you even more? Or have you been away from home and craving something delicious and a home-cooked meal? Well, these two are very common scenarios and often happen to many people. The easiest way to avoid such circumstances is to keep some packaged Indian food at home.
As a matter of fact, the Indian food industry in recent years has experienced a significant transformation that mixes traditional flavours and modern convenience. The increase in packaged Indian food, ready-to-eat Indian meals, and instant Indian food options has changed how consumers access and relish authentic Indian cuisine. This evolution caters to the growing demand for easy Indian meals without compromising on taste or authenticity.
The evolution of packaged Indian food
Indian food has always been a cherished part of daily life, traditionally cooked in homes, with generations passing down beloved recipes. However, as life becomes more fast-paced, particularly in urban areas, we have witnessed a major shift in how meals are prepared and consumed. The rise of packaged and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals has become a key part of this transformation, driven by several factors, such as:
- Urbanisation and growing middle class: As more people are settling down in the cities and their incomes rise, the demand for convenience has skyrocketed.
- The need for speed: Since the majority of the people in urban India have busy careers and hectic lifestyles, they tend to opt for easy and time-saving meal options.
- Market surge: The packaged food market in India is expected to reach a whopping USD 3 billion by 2027, showing just how big this change really is.
Ready-to-eat Indian meals
Do you find yourself too tired or running out of time to cook a delicious traditional Indian meal? If the answer is yes, then you should not feel alone. The ready-to-eat meal market in India is exploding, and it is not at all hard to see why. Here is what is driving this boom:
- Busy lives, better meals: More professionals and dual-income households are seeking quick meal solutions that still offer authentic and home-cooked flavours.
- Rising popularity: The ready-to-eat market is projected to grow at a 15.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2030, proving that this trend is not just a phase.
Easy Indian meals for the modern consumer
The modern consumer craves easy meals that do not pinch on quality, and this is exactly what the packaged food market is delivering. Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook options are the perfect solution for anyone who wants a delicious but no-hassle meal in just a few minutes.
- Health-conscious choices: Many of these meals are preservative-free, offering a healthier option for those concerned about what goes into their food.
- Growing demand: The market for ready-to-eat meals is expected to reach a staggering USD 3.41 billion by 2032, reflecting how much more people are valuing quality and convenience together.
Preservative-free meals
As health-conscious eating has become the norm, many consumers are staying away from meals that rely on artificial preservatives. Thankfully, manufacturers are listening and creating products that stay true to their authentic flavours while being preservative-free.
Transparency matters: People want to know exactly what is in their food, and this demand for clean labels is only growing.
Packaging: Behind every great packaged meal is smart and innovative packaging. The role of packaging in the world of ready-to-eat food cannot be overstated. Here is why:
- Longer shelf life: Thanks to advanced packaging technologies, these meals stay fresh longer, making them perfect for the busy consumer.
- Nutritional integrity: The packaging ensures that the nutritional value and flavour of the food are preserved, so you can enjoy the same taste as if it were made fresh.
Sita Ram Diwan Chand
Established in 1950, Sita Ram Diwan Chand is a renowned eatery in Delhi, known for its mouthwatering Chole Bhature. Over the decades, they have garnered a loyal following, with many considering it the epitome of authentic Chole Bhature. The Bhature, stuffed with cottage cheese and fresh coriander, are prepared on a tawa, ensuring they are soft and flavourful. The accompanying Chole is rich in taste, complemented by green chutney, aloo ki sabzi, pickle, and green chilies.
Recognising the evolving consumer demand for convenience without compromising on authenticity, Sita Ram Diwan Chand ventured into the packaged food sector. They came up with ready-to-eat meals that encapsulate the essence of their traditional offerings. One such product is the Ready to Eat Chole + Bhature + Dal Makhani and Rice Combo, which includes:
- Chole: It is prepared using the restaurant’s signature recipe, ensuring the flavour and spice level is exactly the same.
- Bhature: Soft and fluffy, mirroring the texture of those served at their eatery.
- Dal Makhani Rice: A classic accompaniment, offering a wholesome meal experience.
These meals are crafted using 100% natural ingredients, are vegetarian, and contain no preservatives or artificial flavours. This totally aligns with the growing consumer preference for preservative-free meals.
By venturing into the packaged food market, Sita Ram Diwan Chand has successfully bridged the gap between traditional culinary practices and modern convenience. This further allows consumers to enjoy authentic Indian flavours on-the-go.
Wrapping it up!
The future of packaged Indian foods certainly looks promising, with continued growth expected in the ready-to-eat and instant food segments. As consumer preferences evolve, there will be a greater emphasis on health-conscious, preservative-free meals that offer authentic Indian flavours. The integration of traditional culinary practices with modern convenience is set to define the next phase of growth in this sector.