On the occasion of World Protein Day, a new YouGov survey, conducted in association with the Almond Board of California, found that a majority of Indians recognize protein’s essential role in providing energy and supporting a strong immune system.
The survey, which polled 4,300 respondents across 17 cities in India, revealed that 2 in 3 Indians (65%) identify almonds as a high-protein snack, with stronger recognition in Tier II cities such as Lucknow (38%), Thiruvananthapuram (37%), Coimbatore (34%), Guwahati (34%), and Indore (31%).
Interestingly, acknowledgement levels in these cities surpassed those in metropolitan areas, suggesting a wider acceptance of almonds as a protein-rich snack beyond urban centres.
The survey found almonds ranked among the top five protein choices in India. A natural source of protein, almonds—particularly California Almonds—is rich in 15 essential nutrients, including healthy fats, dietary fibre, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
When consumed daily, they offer a range of health benefits, making them a preferred snacking choice among Indians.
Commenting on the new survey findings, Dr. Rohini Patil, MBBS and Nutritionist, said, “On this World Protein Day, I want to emphasize that protein is a crucial nutrient, and Indian consumers are becoming increasingly aware of its benefits.
Almonds, being one of the most natural sources of protein, support muscle health, provide sustained energy, and contribute to overall well-being. I strongly recommend including a handful of almonds in your daily diet for optimal health.
They are incredibly versatile and can be easily added to breakfast bowls, salads, smoothies, or homemade energy bars—making for a simple yet powerful way to boost your daily protein intake.”
The survey highlighted that more than 6 in 10 people across all regions recognize almonds as a high source of protein, and over 8 in 10 respondents report consuming almonds daily, reinforcing almonds’ popularity as a nutritious snack.
It added that 47% of Indians cite almonds’ high protein content as a key reason for consuming them, making it one of the top three motivators for almond consumption.
This trend is particularly strong in the South (50%), followed by the West (47%), East (46%), and North (44%). While protein richness is a major factor driving almond consumption across all age groups, Gen- Zs place greater emphasis on almonds’ benefits for skin health. In contrast, Millennials and Gen-X prioritize almonds for their protein content, with 56% selecting protein richness as the primary reason to choose almonds over other snacks.
In addition to highlighting almonds’ recognition as a high-protein snack, the findings underscored the following consumption patterns and regional trends:
Regional Preferences: Nearly 1 in 4 people in North India acknowledged muscle recovery as a key benefit of almond consumption, whereas in West India, nearly 1 in 3 people associated almonds with controlling hunger.
