India's Hidden Protein Crisis: Half of Intake From Low-Quality Cereals

• A study reveals nearly half of India's at-home protein intake comes from low-quality cereals like rice and wheat, indicating a "hidden protein crisis."
• The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study found average daily protein consumption is 55.6g, but cereal-derived protein significantly exceeds national recommendations.
• Over-reliance on cereals displaces nutrient-dense protein sources like lentils, dairy, and meat, partly due to subsidized rice and wheat in public distribution systems.
• Significant socio-economic disparities exist, with the richest 10% consuming 1.5 times more protein than the poorest 10%, who often lack essential animal-based protein.
• Researchers propose reducing dependency on rice and wheat in public food programs and increasing distribution of diverse, nutrient-rich foods to address public health and food system sustainability.

Why It Matters: Low-quality protein from cereals threatens India's public health and food system.