Traditional to Nutritional Curd Emerges as a Staple Food Across South India with 80% Consumption

With a significant portion of India’s population failing to meet daily protein requirements, consumers are increasingly turning toward accessible and nutritious dietary alternatives. Traditional dairy products are experiencing a massive surge in popularity, driven by the desire for better nutrition and improved digestion. In states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, curd has always been a dietary staple, integrated into daily meals as curd rice, buttermilk, or a side dish due to its local climatic suitability and ease of preparation.

Insights from the Godrej Jersey Lactograph Report:
According to the ‘India Lactograph’ report released by Godrej Jersey, curd stands out as one of the most consumed dairy products after milk, with nearly 80% of individuals incorporating it into their daily diets.

Demographic Breakdown: Consumption rates rise over 90% among individuals aged 30 to 35, while 100% of parents with young children include it regularly.

Nutritional Benefits: Nutritionist Consultant Manika Singh highlights that curd provides gut-friendly probiotics, easily digestible proteins, and essential calcium for strong bones and teeth. It also boosts immunity, regulates digestion, balances cholesterol for heart health, and cools the body in hot weather.

Different Forms of Curd and Consumption Tips:
Curd offers varied nutritional benefits based on how it is prepared and consumed:

Fresh Curd: Contains live bacterial cultures that actively support gut health when consumed promptly.

Hung Curd: Features a lower water content, offering a denser and higher concentration of protein.

Whey Water: The nutrient-rich water leftover from curd extraction is packed with water-soluble proteins and minerals, making it ideal for daily cooking or direct consumption.

Best Practices: Curd is best consumed during the daytime especially at lunch paired with rice, millets, or seasonal foods for balanced nutrition.

Broader Dairy Trends and Market Availability:
The study reveals that 75.8% of Indians consume dairy products regularly, with about 76% opting for paneer and 80% choosing curd. In contrast, flavored milk commands minimal popularity, indicating that consumers prefer familiar, minimally processed dairy options. Meeting these regional preferences, Godrej Agrovet Limited’s dairy brand, Godrej Jersey, continues to supply a variety of fresh curd products tailored to the tastes of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.