Consumption of Dairy-based functional Foods influenced by Socio Economic Conditions: Study in Ranchi City

Author: Annie Kerketta, Biswajit Sen, Udita Chaudhary and Ajay Verma

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Abstract

Functional dairy based foods can be defined as foods containing significant levels of biologically active components that provide specific health benefits besides the traditional nutrients. The top sources of information for dairy-based functional food among consumers in Ranchi city were TV advertisements (33%) and word-of-mouth (25%). Most of probiotic drinks were consumed occasionally as (39%) was observed nearly less than 3 times a month, while around 38% of respondents consumed fortified milk on a daily basis. Majority of the consumers had preferred retail shops to purchase the fortified milk (58%) and supermarkets for the purchase of the probiotic drinks (53%). The supermarkets were least preferred by consumers for the fortified milk (2%) while milk parlours observed least masses of consumers for the probiotic drinks (7%). The monthly average consumption of fortified milk for per capita was only 8.6 litres, with an expenditure of `518.8, while the corresponding figures for the probiotic drink was 949.4 ml, with an expenditure of `270. It was also found that the Income, education, and occupation had positively influenced the monthly per capita consumption expenditure of probiotic drinks and fortified milk, while age had significant negative impact on probiotic and food habits had significant negative impact of fortified milk. Policy makers should ensure the smooth availability of the functional dairy based products in the state.

Keywords

Functional dairy based food, probiotic drinks, fortified milk, dietary habits

Conclusion

The rising awareness of the consumers towards the health benefits of food has resulted in the development of the so-called functional foods. These added value products which refer to prevention and/or therapeutic effects of food beyond its nutritional value are especially useful for health improvement and reduction of medical care costs. The combination between health and nutrition and its potential to improve the quality of life has become one of the key attention points of consumers who are aware of and are seeking nutritional solutions to their health concerns. Nearly 79% of the respondents were aware the additional health benefits of fortified milk whereas 21% were unaware whereas for probiotic drink, 86% of the respondents were aware and 14% were unaware. The most preferred source of information for dairy-based function foods was electronic television advertisements followed by friends and relatives. The probiotic drinks were consumed occasionally as compared to the fortified milk consumed on a daily basis. The majority of the consumers had preferred retail shops to purchase the fortified milk and supermarkets for the purchase of the probiotic drinks. The monthly average consumption of fortified milk for per capita was only 8.6 litres, with an expenditure of `518.8, while the corresponding figures for the probiotic drink was 949.4 ml, with an expenditure of `270. It was also found that the Income, education, and occupation had positively influenced the monthly per capita consumption expenditure of probiotic drinks and fortified milk, while age had significant negative impact on probiotic and food habits had significant negative impact of fortified milk.

References

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How to cite this article

Annie Kerketta, Biswajit Sen, Udita Chaudhary and Ajay Verma (2023). Consumption of Dairy-based functional Foods influenced by Socio Economic Conditions: Study in Ranchi City. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 13-18.