Diet and nutrition in the Asia-Pacific region - statistics & facts
Diets and nutrition throughout the Asia-Pacific region vary greatly and depend on many factors such as religion, food security, wealth, education, and emerging food trends. Some religions that are heavily practiced throughout the region avoid the consumption of certain animal products and meats. Hinduism, which is the most practiced religion in India, regards cows as a sacred symbol of life, so they are not consumed. A large share of Hindus also follow a strict vegetarian diet, opting not to consume any animal meat altogether. Islam is another religion that follows certain practices on diet and meat consumption, with many Muslims only eating foods that are halal. In addition to these cultural factors, the emergence of new food trends and wider availability of nutritional information has also made an impact on diet and nutrition across APAC.
On the other end of the scale, many people in the Asia-Pacific region suffer from malnutrition and undernourishment. South Asia is the subregion experiencing the highest prevalence of severe food insecurity. The outbreak of the coronavirus in December 2019 exacerbated these problems further, as the production and distribution of food were disrupted by the pandemic.
Alongside health and functional food, the ready-to-drink market has developed in the Asia-Pacific region. Busier work schedules often demand convenient food and drink options. Countries such as Japan have taken advantage of this consumer need and have expanded their ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage markets.
Vegetarianism and veganism are continuing to spread across the world and have also gained traction in the region, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Subsequently, investments in the alternative protein industry in APAC have increased significantly in recent years. Regional startups, such as Starfield or Tindle, are boasting a wide variety of alternative protein products, ranging from plant-based to cultivated meat.
Effect of nutrition on health
On one hand, obesity prevalence has become a growing issue in some Asia-Pacific countries, especially in New Zealand and Australia. Governments across the region have taken steps to tackle the problem. Common measures that have been introduced include reducing sugar intake by replacing traditional ingredients with healthier alternatives and providing low or sugar-free alternatives to popular food and drinks.On the other end of the scale, many people in the Asia-Pacific region suffer from malnutrition and undernourishment. South Asia is the subregion experiencing the highest prevalence of severe food insecurity. The outbreak of the coronavirus in December 2019 exacerbated these problems further, as the production and distribution of food were disrupted by the pandemic.
Emerging dietary trends
The health and functional food market has established itself throughout the region, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea. Consumers are looking for food and drinks which enhance mood, increase mental alertness, and aid healthy gut function. Detox drinks and drinks beneficial to the immune system have also become a popular option. Additionally, vitamin supplements and foods with added protein have experienced a surge in popularity, becoming a normality in many citizens' daily lives.Alongside health and functional food, the ready-to-drink market has developed in the Asia-Pacific region. Busier work schedules often demand convenient food and drink options. Countries such as Japan have taken advantage of this consumer need and have expanded their ready-to-drink non-alcoholic beverage markets.
Vegetarianism and veganism are continuing to spread across the world and have also gained traction in the region, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. Subsequently, investments in the alternative protein industry in APAC have increased significantly in recent years. Regional startups, such as Starfield or Tindle, are boasting a wide variety of alternative protein products, ranging from plant-based to cultivated meat.
