From Home-produced to Store-bought- How Lifes Changing: Consumption of Milk and Milk Products through Decades

Aims: This study aimed present a comprehensive picture of trends in the consumption pattern of milk and milk products with the objective to determine the shift in their consumption through different decades and locations.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Methodology: The study was conducted in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The sample population comprised of both male and female subjects between the age group of 15 years to 55 onwards. The respondents were categorized into three age groups range as- 15-35 years, 36-55 years, and above 56 years. Starting from the age of 5 years, each age group is also categorized decade-wise. Being descriptive in nature the study was carried out through a field survey method using face-to-face interviews.

Results: The results showed that during earlier decades, milk was consumed daily by the majority of the population depending upon the fact that it was produced by the domesticated cattle and easily available. However, a high frequency of daily consumption was observed among the 15-35 years of age group, though it was more of purchased from store or dairy. Curd, however, was earlier prepared by milk produced at home, now mostly prepared at home from milk bought from stores or dairy. The practice of preparing buttermilk and butter/ghee milk products daily from the milk produced by domesticated cattle is experiencing a great drop, especially in the rural areas. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) has got popular in the past few decades, though its consumption is highly dependent upon the location and economic condition of the household.

Conclusion: There is a great need for promoting cattle rearing and dairy farming for increasing production and consumption of home-produced healthy products from milk. Making people aware of the dietary requirements of milk and milk products during various life stages is also of prime importance.