India's Food Habits Transform: Fast Lunches to Emotional Late-Night Orders

• India's food consumption is shifting from fixed meal times to flexible, moment-led ordering driven by lifestyle changes like hybrid work and emotional cues.
• Lunch has become functional and fast, focusing on convenience with items like rolls and wraps for quick consumption during short breaks.
• Late-night orders are emotionally driven, linked to unwinding, socialising, or studying, with consumers prioritising trusted brands for quality and reliability.
• Dessert consumption has surged late at night, driven by moods and moments, with Bakingo reporting a 50% growth in 7 PM-12 AM orders.
• Quick-service restaurants like Burgerama see significant late-night sales (30% from 11 PM-4 AM), indicating a shift towards indulgence after efficiency-driven daytime meals.

Why It Matters: India's food industry must adapt to new consumer habits valuing flexibility, emotional connection, and convenience over rigid meal times.