Abdul Ghani

Pakistan’s household food consumption patterns are undergoing a visible shift, with changes in dietary preferences and quantities reflecting evolving lifestyles and consumption behaviour, according to the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024–25.

The survey shows that per capita monthly consumption of wheat and wheat flour declined to 6.59 kilograms, down from 7.00 kilograms in the previous survey, indicating a gradual reduction in dependence on traditional staple foods. Similarly, rice consumption fell to 0.86 kilograms per person per month, compared to 1.06 kilograms earlier, highlighting a shift in dietary composition across households.

Consumption of pulses also declined, with per capita intake dropping from 0.35 kilograms to 0.26 kilograms, suggesting changes in food preferences, potentially influenced by price factors. In contrast, milk consumption remained relatively stable, with average monthly intake recorded at 6.15 litres, compared to 6.85 litres previously, reflecting the continued importance of dairy in household diets.

The survey data also show reduced consumption of certain protein sources. Beef consumption declined from 0.19 kilograms to 0.11 kilograms, while chicken consumption decreased from 0.36 kilograms to 0.34 kilograms per person per month. Egg consumption also showed a marginal decrease, falling from 3.04 to 2.83 eggs per person monthly.

Vegetable consumption displayed mixed trends. While onion intake declined from 0.95 kilograms to 0.85 kilograms, tomato consumption increased slightly from 0.51 kilograms to 0.59 kilograms, suggesting shifts in dietary preferences and seasonal availability. Potato consumption remained relatively stable at around 1.17 kilograms per person per month.

The survey also indicates modest changes in the use of cooking oil, with per capita consumption declining from 0.32 litres to 0.28 litres, reflecting adjustments in household food preparation patterns.

According to the HIES 2024–25, these changes in food consumption patterns reflect evolving dietary habits influenced by income levels, food prices, and lifestyle shifts. The data provide important insights into nutritional trends and consumer behaviour, offering a basis for future food security and nutrition planning initiatives.

The findings highlight how household diets are adapting amid broader socio-economic changes, underscoring the importance of monitoring consumption patterns to inform nutrition and public health policies.

Credit: INP-WealthPk