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Introduction
1.1 Background and Context: Overview of the current dietary landscape in India and the emergence of veganism as a dietary choice.
1.2 Problem Statement: Explanation of the research question focusing on the limited adoption of veganism in India despite its potential benefits.
1.2.1 Defining a plant based diet - different from vegetarian since a huge population of India is vegetarian.
1.3 Objectives: Specific goals of the study in investigating the cost factors influencing the adoption of a vegan lifestyle.
1.4 Significance: Importance of understanding barriers to mainstream adoption of veganism and promoting awareness of vegan alternatives. 1.5 Overview of Veganism: Definition and principles of veganism, highlighting its ethical, environmental, and health implications.
1.6 Global Trends in Veganism: Examination of the increasing popularity of veganism worldwide and its impact on dietary patterns.
1.7 Factors Affecting Dietary Choices in India: Cultural, economic, and social influences on food preferences and consumption habits in India.
1.8 Previous Studies on Veganism in India: Review of existing research on veganism in the Indian context, including studies on adoption rates, motivations, and challenges.
1.9 Barriers to Adoption in Indian Context: Identification of specific obstacles hindering the widespread acceptance of veganism in India, such as cultural traditions, availability of alternatives, and perceived costs
Treatment
2.1 Data Collection Sources: Taking a representative sample of Indian recipes with ingredients, and collecting per capita consumption of different food groups.
2.2 Comparison of Vegan and Non-Vegan Ingredients: Detailed examination of the cost differences between vegan and non-vegan food items commonly consumed in Indian households.
2.3 Cost of Vegan Alternatives for Traditional Indian Dishes: Assessment of the affordability of vegan substitutes for traditional Indian recipes, considering factors such as availability and accessibility.
2.4 Impact on Household Budgets: Analysis of the financial implications of adopting a vegan lifestyle on household expenditure, including potential savings or additional expenses.
2.5 Nutritional Content of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Diets: Evaluation of the macro and micronutrient and protein profiles of vegan and non-vegan diets
2.6 Availability of Nutrients in Vegan Diets in India: Examination of the accessibility and variability of essential nutrients in vegan diets when switched.
2.7 Popular Vegan Options: Examination of the most widely consumed vegan substitutes and alternatives in the Indian market, such as plant-based meats and dairy alternatives.
2.8 Availability in Restaurants/Retail: Assessment of the accessibility of vegan options in restaurants, supermarkets, and online platforms, and their impact on consumer choices.
Conclusion
3.1 Discussion of the implications of the study findings for policy development, public health initiatives, and advocacy efforts promoting plant-based diets..
3.2 Suggestions for future research endeavors aimed at addressing remaining gaps and further exploring the dynamics of veganism in India.
Abstract:
This thesis focuses on examining the economic considerations influencing the adoption of plant-based diets in India. At its core, the project aims to understand the interplay between affordability, accessibility, and nutritional aspects of vegan alternatives to traditional Indian dishes.
Through the analysis of a representative sample of Indian recipes and per capita consumption data, the project seeks to discern the cost differentials between vegan and non-vegan ingredients commonly used in Indian households. Moreover, a detailed evaluation of the nutritional and protein content of vegan versus non-vegan diets will be conducted to provide insights into the comparative health implications of adopting a plant-based diet.
Motivated by the global trend towards plant-based diets and their potential benefits for health and sustainability, this project addresses a significant gap in research within the Indian context.
This interdisciplinary endeavor contributes to the fields of nutrition, economics, and public health. It offers valuable implications for policymakers, health professionals, and individuals interested in promoting sustainable and healthy dietary practices in India. Through its rigorous analysis and evidence-based approach, the project aims to foster dialogue and awareness regarding the feasibility and benefits of adopting vegan lifestyles in the Indian context.
Introduction
In recent years, dietary choices have garnered significant attention worldwide, with an increasing emphasis on sustainability, health, and ethical considerations. Within this landscape, the emergence of veganism as a dietary choice has sparked both curiosity and debate. In the Indian context, where food is deeply intertwined with cultural traditions and religious beliefs, the adoption of veganism presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
The inspiration for this project stemmed from the observation of the limited adoption of veganism in India despite its potential benefits for health, sustainability, and animal welfare. While vegetarianism has long been prevalent in Indian culture, the transition to a fully plant-based diet remains relatively uncommon, particularly among urban households. This raises pertinent questions regarding the factors influencing dietary choices and the barriers hindering the mainstream acceptance of veganism in India.
Against this backdrop, this research seeks to delve into the economic considerations shaping the adoption of plant-based diets in urban Indian households. By exploring the interplay between affordability, accessibility, and nutritional aspects of vegan alternatives to traditional Indian dishes, the project aims to shed light on the dynamics of dietary decision-making in urban India.
Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, this study will leverage insights from nutrition and economics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with veganism in urban India. The treatment will involve the collection of a representative sample of Indian recipes, detailing the ingredients used and the comparison between vegan and non-vegan options. This approach will enable a detailed examination of the cost differences between vegan and non-vegan food items commonly consumed in urban Indian households, providing empirical evidence to support the analysis.
Furthermore, the incorporation of Indian recipes will facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the affordability and accessibility of vegan substitutes for traditional Indian dishes. Leveraging public data sources such as national household expenditure surveys and online grocery stores, the research will conduct a systematic analysis to uncover insights into the economic implications of transitioning to a plant-based diet. By examining household expenditure patterns and the availability of vegan alternatives in online marketplaces, the study aims to provide empirical evidence to inform discussions on adopting plant based diets. This approach underscores the project's commitment to addressing the economic dimensions of veganism and its potential role in shaping dietary behaviors in India.