Hyderabad: The sugar in cream-based branded biscuits manufactured in India is usually above 25-30 grams per 100 grams, and the fat content is 20 gram per 100 grams, according to a report by the Consumer Education and Research Centre. The World Health Organisation’s recommended level is less than 20 grams for both.
CERC in its report to FSSAI has also pointed out that the sugar and fat content printed on product labels is erroneous; it shows less fat and sugar than the product actually contains.
Nutritionist Sana Fathima says, “Label reading is a problem in India where people are not able to understand how much fat, trans-fat, or sugar they are consuming. This problem is widely prevalent. It is important to understand that biscuits are made of refined flour, sugar and fat and that has calories which will add to their weight. They are to eat it in small numbers like only one or two and not the full packet.”
Other nutritious variants such as ragi, oats and combinations in jowar are being experimented with but their appeal among the common public is limited.
In order to make biscuits, refined flour, sugar and fat have to be used, nutritionists say. A healthy nutrient such as ragi, oats, or jowar can be added, but it can’t replace the base. So, don’t eat biscuits like a meal; eat just one or two.
With various new flavours and brands, the Indian biscuit market has grown by 13 per cent in the last one year and is expected to reach its peak by 2022.
