India, Oct. 16 -- India's protein market is estimated to be worth around Rs 15,300 crore in 2026 and is projected to reach Rs 21,000 crore by 2031, driven by growing demand for protein-rich foods, supplements and snacks.

Social media trends, fitness culture and wellness brands are turning protein into an aspirational consumer product, but high-protein labels do not necessarily mean better nutrition.

Rising food prices, particularly for affordable protein sources such as eggs, threaten dietary diversity among low-income households, exposing a widening gap between urban wellness trends and nutritional needs.

India needs to promote affordable, locally available protein sources, crop diversification and better food labelling to ensure that...