Due to the boom in corporate culture, people spend more time at their desks than on their feet. The lack of physical activity takes a significant toll on one’s health. To compensate for the lack of physical activity throughout the day, people enroll themselves in gymnasiums and fitness clubs. Now that more and more people are focusing on adopting a healthier lifestyle, nutrition plays a very important role, as exercise alone doesn't cut it. Hence, focusing on dietary habits becomes imperative. Always remember, no matter how much you exercise, you can never outrun a bad diet. However, with the busy lives that people lead today, preparing healthy and protein-rich meals at home isn’t always possible, and that’s where supplements come in.
Why Does One Need Protein?
Proteins are essential macronutrients that help build muscle, aid weight loss, and also repair the body’s tissues. On consumption, proteins break-down into amino acids which aid the metabolic processes in the human body. Unlike carbohydrates and fats, proteins aren’t stored in the body, which means one needs a steady, regular intake of protein daily. A survey done by the Indian Market Research Bureau revealed that 73 percent of urban rich Indians have a protein deficiency. This can be overcome by either including more protein sources in one’s diet, such as eggs, lentils, milk, and meat, or by taking supplements. Supplements are intended to provide humans with nutrients that otherwise may not be consumed in sufficient quantities.
Why Go for Plant-Based Proteins?
For the longest time, plant-based proteins have had a bad reputation and have been considered incomplete since they lack one or more of the essential amino acids. However, choosing the right combination of fruits, veggies, and nuts can make plant-based proteins complete, and a better overall source when compared to animal proteins. In addition to providing protein, plants also provide our bodies with much-needed antioxidants as well as essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Animal foods, on the other hand, contain these in very small quantities. Plants also contain phytochemicals, which protect our body’s immune system from grave diseases such as cancer.
Moreover, most of India’s population follows a vegetarian diet, leaving-out meat products. There is an increasing number of people embracing the vegan way of life, due to which there’s a rising preference among customers for plantbased diets and supplements.
Trends
India largely has a younger population which is actively focusing on fitness. There has been an increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers in the recent years. Protein supplements are getting increasingly popular among bodybuilding groups as well as sports and fitness enthusiasts. Furthermore, people have a positive outlook on the sports nutrition market due to the increasing importance of living an active lifestyle. The rising awareness of the health benefits of proteins will play a crucial role in promoting the use of protein products.
There is a stigma attached to protein supplements that they have major side effects, but that’s not true. Many people confuse protein supplements with steroids. A lot of science goes into making supplements and ensuring they won’t be harmful.
With growing knowledge among consumers and specialized groups regarding their protein needs, it’s always good to have a wide range of products that consumers can choose from
Variety
There are many different types of proteins available in the market, with Whey and Casein being the most popular. With growing knowledge among consumers and specialized groups regarding their protein needs, it’s always good to have a wide range of products that consumers can choose from.
Enhance the Experience!
Protein powders don’t taste awful anymore, thanks to the introduction of flavours. While chocolate, caramel and vanilla are some of the most common ones, brands could always introduce new flavours or even invent their own. There’s no harm in coming-up with a blueberry-coffee flavour as long as it tastes good. Flavours greatly enhance the experience. Just make sure to not go overboard with the whole idea.
There are infinite number of possibilities when it comes to protein recipes, and brands can take advantage of that. Protein drinks are too mainstream? Come-up with a protein pudding or a cake mix.
Why Enter/Invest in the Protein Supplement Market?
As per the ‘India Protein and Herbal Supplement Market Overview, 2018-2023’ report, India’s dietary supplement market is expected to grow with a CAGR of more than 18 percent in the period from 2017-18 to 2022-23. Protein products have gained popularity in recent years, mainly because people now have more disposable income than they had years before. As a result, there’s been an increase in the sales of protein supplements. Furthermore, the ongoing trend of joining gyms and fitness centers encourages consumers to buy protein supplements to improve their immune system and build muscles. The industry should grow steadily and remain profitable.