Bangalore, August 18, 2026: A large section of the Indian population continues to fall short of recommended daily protein intake, highlighting the need for simple, accessible dietary solutions that can be easily incorporated into everyday meals. As consumers increasingly look for functional foods that support both nutrition and digestion, traditional dairy products are gaining renewed relevance.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, curd has long been a staple across households, consumed in various forms such as curd rice, buttermilk, and as a side to meals. Its familiarity, ease of preparation, and suitability to local climates make it an integral part of daily diets, while also offering significant nutritional value.
Manika Singh, Nutritionist consultant, Godrej Industries Group says, “Curd remains one of the most frequently consumed dairy products, second only to milk, with recent findings from Godrej Jersey’s ‘India Lactograph’ indicating that nearly 80% of individuals incorporate curd into their diets. This preference is even more notable within specific demographics, with consumption reaching over 90% among those aged 30–35 and an impressive 100% among young parents. From a nutritional perspective, curd provides probiotics that are beneficial for gut health and serves as an excellent source of easily digestible protein. It is also rich in calcium, which contributes to stronger bones and teeth. Furthermore, curd aids in regulating digestion, enhances immunity, supports cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol balance, and offers cooling properties that are especially advantageous in warmer climates. Considering the current protein deficiency, integrating curd into daily meals presents a practical and efficient method for enhancing overall nutrition.”
Curd in its different forms offers varied nutritional benefits that can be easily retained through simple consumption habits. Freshly set curd contains active cultures that aid digestion, while thicker forms such as hunk curd, prepared by straining out whey water, provide a more concentrated source of protein. The leftover whey water itself remains nutritionally valuable, containing water-soluble proteins and minerals, and can be reused in everyday cooking.
- Fresh curd supports gut health and is best consumed when recently set
- Hunk curd offers higher protein concentration due to reduced water content
- Whey water can be used in cooking or consumed directly to retain nutrients
- Curd is best suited for daytime consumption, especially as part of lunch meals
- It can be paired with rice, millets, or seasonal ingredients for balanced nutrition
Insights from the Godrej Jersey Lactograph study further underline the strong preference for traditional dairy formats, with 75.8% of Indians identified as active dairy consumers. Within this, nearly 76% opt for paneer and around 80% consume curd beyond milk, while flavored milk continues to see negligible uptake. This trend highlights a clear consumer inclination towards familiar, minimally processed dairy products, reinforcing their role in meeting everyday nutritional needs.
Godrej Jersey, the dairy brand from Godrej Agrovet Limited, offers a range of fresh curd products aligned with regional taste preferences in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. With a continued focus on quality and consistency, the brand remains committed to supporting everyday nutrition through products that are both relevant and reliable.