Consumption Pattern and Health Implications of Convenience Foods: A Practical Review

Background: The present study was aimed to review the consumption pattern and health implications of convenience foods in regular life. The term 'Convenience food' is being widely used in the catering industry due to rapid progress in food technology. Consumption of convenience foods is inexorable in modern scenarios due to rapid urbanization, changing lifestyle, rising purchasing power and adaptation to western culture.

Methods: A constructive review work was done from available data sources and available literatures.

Results: The Indian ‘Ready-to-Eat (RTE)’ market reached at Rs 2900 crore and Rs 3500 crore in 2015 and 2016 respectively. RTE foods are growing at 40% per year. According to the World Health Organization, the trend towards surplus convenience foods provides the food industry with various commercial opportunities and profitable outcome for the food manufacturers. However, these foods are regarded as one of the least healthy dietary options, contributing to the health and diet-related diseases comparable to the risks associated with smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Conclusion: Excessive consumption of convenience foods is one of the major factors for the higher incidence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases.