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Godrej Jersey’s Lactography Report reveals that 75.8 per cent of Indians are now “active dairy consumers”, households that regularly consume milk alongside multiple dairy products such as curd, paneer, ghee, butter, lassi, yogurt and cheese. Far from being an occasional add-on, dairy emerges as a daily, multi-product nutrition system embedded in Indian food culture across regions and generations.
Instead of a single glass of milk, Indian homes are building what the report terms a “dairy basket.” Among active dairy consumers, curd (80 per cent), paneer (76 per cent), butter (74 per cent) and ghee (71 per cent) are the most preferred products nationally, followed by lassi (63 per cent), cheese (58 per cent), yogurt (57 per cent) and traditional milk-based sweets (55 per cent). This breadth of usage underlines dairy’s role across cooking, meal accompaniments, snacking and celebration.
While dairy forms a common thread across Indian households, the way it appears on the plate varies meaningfully by region. Curd stands out as the most universal expression of dairy, woven seamlessly into everyday meals across the country from curd rice and buttermilk in the South to raita and dahi in the North making it a true pan-Indian staple.
Paneer, once largely associated with North Indian cuisine, has steadily expanded its footprint nationwide. Today, it features across regional cooking styles and meal formats, reflecting its evolution into a widely accepted vegetarian protein for both traditional and contemporary dishes.
At the same time, indulgent dairy continues to hold its place. Ghee, butter and traditional milk-based sweets remain deeply embedded in household routines and celebrations, reinforcing dairy’s emotional and cultural significance even as consumers become more mindful about health and balance.
Dairy has also adapted effortlessly to modern, protein-conscious lifestyles, particularly among younger and urban consumers. Beyond traditional formats, it now features prominently in smoothies, shakes and café-style beverages, seamlessly blending into contemporary routines focused on energy, fitness and nourishment. Milk and dairy-based beverages increasingly sit alongside coffee, protein shakes and smoothies, no longer confined to childhood rituals but embraced as versatile vehicles for daily energy, recovery and performance.
Shantanu Raj, Head of Marketing, Godrej Jersey, said, “India has moved decisively beyond the idea of ‘just a glass of milk’. What we are witnessing is the evolution of dairy from a single-source staple to a dynamic, value-added category spanning everyday essentials like paneer and milk-based beverages to high-protein products that deliver the same great taste with added functionality. At Godrej Jersey, our journey reflects this shift. We are building on the trust and familiarity that milk represents, while expanding into formats that offer greater nutrition, convenience, and versatility for modern consumers. As preferences evolve, our focus remains on delivering products that seamlessly combine taste, protein, and everyday relevance, reimagining dairy for today’s India.”