Food delivery giant Swiggy has launched a dedicated High Protein category across 30 cities, featuring over 500,000 protein-rich dishes. The move aims to tap into India’s growing interest in healthier eating, especially in metros like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Swiggy’s new section includes meals from over 35,000 partner restaurants. Customers can now easily access curated high-protein options—without scanning lengthy menus or guessing nutritional values—making healthier eating simpler and more convenient.
“As food preferences evolve, we, at Swiggy, are committed to not just reflect those shifts but shape them by helping people discover what’s good for them, and still delicious,” said Deepak Maloo, vice-president, food strategy, customer experience and new initiatives, Swiggy.
Each high-protein dish meets strict nutritional benchmarks—at least 15g of protein, under 700 kcal (food calories) and a minimum 10% protein-to-calorie ratio—ensuring balanced, protein-rich meals fit for regular consumption.
Users can simply search “protein” or “diet” on the Swiggy app to access the new category. Dishes are grouped by protein content, letting users filter based on protein source—like paneer, soya, or egg—for tailored preferences.
Within selected restaurants, high-protein meals are placed right at the top. This smart listing approach reduces scroll time, allowing users to quickly choose dishes that meet their dietary goals and nutritional needs.
A report by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) shows that most Indian households in semi-arid regions consume less protein than recommended. Diets are dominated by rice and wheat, leaving a critical gap in daily protein intake.
A survey by the Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) found 73% of Indians are protein-deficient. Only 10% meet daily protein intake needs—highlighting the urgent need for easy, affordable protein-based meal options.
Over 1.8 million customers discovered the High Protein section during Swiggy’s pilot phase. Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi saw the highest traction, while Chandigarh emerged as a surprise hub for protein-rich orders.
