What is the link between our diet and society?Indian food is culturally and traditionally lip-smacking and there is a variety of cuisines in our country. Let it be vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes, we as consumers love our cuisine and are always open to trying international delicacies as well.Indians are trendsetters in many ways. We have observed a wave of styles and cuisines becoming a part of our lifestyle. Making small changes and adopting a conscious lifestyle can do well for society in the long run.The switch of consumption from animal meat to plant-based meat can bring about a lot of positive changes in the coming years. For all of 2020, people have had the opportunity to reconsider their life choices and have positively gained enough consciousness to go ahead and makelife-changing decisions. The changing perception has led to people seeking healthy yet delicious food. They want to be spoiled by guilt-free choices while enjoying an appetizing meal. The concept of veganism is not new to us but it has been gaining popularity in the country.Why there is a growing need for vegetarian meat among the Indian population?The growing consciousness of mindful eating and healthy intake has prompted a change in the food and beverage landscape of the country in the last few years. This change has encouraged people to shiftfrom meat consumption to a vegan diet, not only aiding a healthier lifestyle but also benefiting our planet. While the 'conscious eating' and 'sustainable food' industries are still in their nascent stages, mock meat or plant-based meat has taken the forefront to become the new buzzword. As the demand for mock meat is ascending, it will only quadruple in the coming years. The alternate meat option will serve as a healthy choice to many and a fun new option for vegetarian consumers and people who have adapted to veganism.How is it impactful in the Indian diet and environmental scenario?For a while now a change has been observed in the perception of people in India with regards to food. People have become more conscious of their choices and what enters their system. Eating healthy but being spoilt by the availability of abundant choices is something that most consumers want. Now people have also understood that sourcing plant-based meaVfaux meat has a positive impact on the environment. This has resulted in a slow yet steady surge in demand for an alternate option to meat to maintain its taste while being healthy at the same time. This is just the beginning but India is already witnessing growth when it comes to the plant-based meat sector.Why is jackfruit gaining popularity as a meat analogue?Jackfruit, a superfood that grows in our backyard and often goes unnoticed, is quite popular in some states of India. It is considered to be a superfood because of its several nutritional benefits. It is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Its meat-like texture and versatility make it the perfect inclusive choice for all dietary preferences.Additionally, the COVID 19 lockdown has helped shed some light on how it is essential to have a healthy diet. People are now getting over the common misconception that vegan or healthy food does not taste good. Jackfruit meat can be a part of any delectable recipe and one does not have to compromise on the taste if they want to make a conscious change in their lifestyle.Mock Meat as an alternative meat option was long due in India. Going by our cultural and dietary choices, Indians have embraced the jackfruit meat option with open arms. There are many food products available now that can satisfy every consumer segment irrespective of their dietary choices. Switching to mock meat and adapting veganism to one's lifestyle is a personal choice. It is more about self-realization and a choice to opt for a healthier lifestyle.Other than eating, how is jackfruit helpful from a sustainability point of view?When it comes to the environment, the changing times have made people more aware of the reviving nature and the impact that plant-based meat has on it. To begin with the production aspect of mock meat, producers naturally plant more trees which helps in reducing air pollution and decreases the rate of deforestation. This also helps in cutting down the emission of greenhouse gases and controls the carbon footprint. Consuming mock meat is not only eco-friendly but also supports a conscious and healthy lifestyle.Mr Sairaj Dhond is a sustainable entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods, a Goa-based sustainable food company that makes vegan food products with Jackfruit.To read more on this, visit: www.wakaofoods.com
What is the link between our diet and society?Indian food is culturally and traditionally lip-smacking and there is a variety of cuisines in our country. Let it be vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes, we as consumers love our cuisine and are always open to trying international delicacies as well.Indians are trendsetters in many ways. We have observed a wave of styles and cuisines becoming a part of our lifestyle. Making small changes and adopting a conscious lifestyle can do well for society in the long run.The switch of consumption from animal meat to plant-based meat can bring about a lot of positive changes in the coming years. For all of 2020, people have had the opportunity to reconsider their life choices and have positively gained enough consciousness to go ahead and makelife-changing decisions. The changing perception has led to people seeking healthy yet delicious food. They want to be spoiled by guilt-free choices while enjoying an appetizing meal. The concept of veganism is not new to us but it has been gaining popularity in the country.Why there is a growing need for vegetarian meat among the Indian population?The growing consciousness of mindful eating and healthy intake has prompted a change in the food and beverage landscape of the country in the last few years. This change has encouraged people to shiftfrom meat consumption to a vegan diet, not only aiding a healthier lifestyle but also benefiting our planet. While the 'conscious eating' and 'sustainable food' industries are still in their nascent stages, mock meat or plant-based meat has taken the forefront to become the new buzzword. As the demand for mock meat is ascending, it will only quadruple in the coming years. The alternate meat option will serve as a healthy choice to many and a fun new option for vegetarian consumers and people who have adapted to veganism.How is it impactful in the Indian diet and environmental scenario?For a while now a change has been observed in the perception of people in India with regards to food. People have become more conscious of their choices and what enters their system. Eating healthy but being spoilt by the availability of abundant choices is something that most consumers want. Now people have also understood that sourcing plant-based meaVfaux meat has a positive impact on the environment. This has resulted in a slow yet steady surge in demand for an alternate option to meat to maintain its taste while being healthy at the same time. This is just the beginning but India is already witnessing growth when it comes to the plant-based meat sector.Why is jackfruit gaining popularity as a meat analogue?Jackfruit, a superfood that grows in our backyard and often goes unnoticed, is quite popular in some states of India. It is considered to be a superfood because of its several nutritional benefits. It is a good source of fibre, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Its meat-like texture and versatility make it the perfect inclusive choice for all dietary preferences.Additionally, the COVID 19 lockdown has helped shed some light on how it is essential to have a healthy diet. People are now getting over the common misconception that vegan or healthy food does not taste good. Jackfruit meat can be a part of any delectable recipe and one does not have to compromise on the taste if they want to make a conscious change in their lifestyle.Mock Meat as an alternative meat option was long due in India. Going by our cultural and dietary choices, Indians have embraced the jackfruit meat option with open arms. There are many food products available now that can satisfy every consumer segment irrespective of their dietary choices. Switching to mock meat and adapting veganism to one's lifestyle is a personal choice. It is more about self-realization and a choice to opt for a healthier lifestyle.Other than eating, how is jackfruit helpful from a sustainability point of view?When it comes to the environment, the changing times have made people more aware of the reviving nature and the impact that plant-based meat has on it. To begin with the production aspect of mock meat, producers naturally plant more trees which helps in reducing air pollution and decreases the rate of deforestation. This also helps in cutting down the emission of greenhouse gases and controls the carbon footprint. Consuming mock meat is not only eco-friendly but also supports a conscious and healthy lifestyle.Mr Sairaj Dhond is a sustainable entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods, a Goa-based sustainable food company that makes vegan food products with Jackfruit.To read more on this, visit: www.wakaofoods.com
