Decoding Packaged and Frozen Foods – What Consumers Need to Know

(To be attributed to Dr. Manika Singh, Nutritional Consultant at Godrej Industries Group)

As high-protein and better-for-you choices become increasingly part of everyday eating, Indian consumers are becoming more curious about what actually goes into the products they buy. While the front of the pack may catch their attention, the fine print is increasingly helping them make the final decision. From inspecting ingredients and protein content to storage instructions and processing methods, reading food labels is becoming a more conscious part of the everyday grocery-buying routine as consumers look to balance nutrition, quality and convenience.

This is particularly relevant for packaged and frozen foods, where nutritional information such as protein content and serving sizes, alongside processing details, can help consumers make more informed choices. Yet, there is still a knowledge gap around some of the information on frozen food packs. According to the STTEM 2.0 report by Godrej Yummiez, 85% of Indians are unaware of what IQF means. IQF, or Individually Quick Frozen,is a process that rapidly freezes individual pieces separately, helping retain their shape, texture and quality. For consumers, understanding these details can offer greater clarity about the products they are bringing home.

For many Indian households, busy schedules and increasingly fast-paced routines are leaving less time for elaborate meal preparation, making convenience an important part of everyday food choices.Frozen foods can fit easily into these routines, offering convenient meal and snacking options without requiring elaborate preparation. At the same time, clear nutritional information can help consumers make choices that suit their needs. For instance, Godrej Yummiez Chicken Nuggets provide 16g of protein per serving, giving consumers clear nutritional information to consider when choosing a convenient meal or snacking option.

However, trust goes beyond what is printed on the pack. Quality, hygiene and food safety across sourcing, processing, handling and storage are equally important, particularly for frozen foods where maintaining the right conditions helps preserve quality and safety. Transparency around these processes can further strengthen consumer confidence.

At Godrej Yummiez, this approach comes together through a focus on quality and food safety. Its use of IQF technology helps keep products fresh and preservative-free, alongside offering convenient, protein-rich options designed for everyday consumption.Lookingahead, as consumers become even more discerning about what they eat, transparency, quality and safety will move from being points of differentiation to essential expectations for packaged and frozen foods.