Global food and beverage brands sell products in India with different recipes than those sold in other international markets [1].
This discrepancy highlights how multinational corporations adjust ingredients based on local costs and regulations, often resulting in less healthy options for Indian consumers.
A Reuters investigation published this week examined products from companies including Coca-Cola and Nestlé [1]. The report said that Indian Fanta contains three times as much sugar as the version sold in the United Kingdom [1]. For comparison, a can of Fanta sold in London contains 63 calories [1].
Differences extend to snacks and confectionery. Indian KitKat contains 4.5% cocoa, while the version sold in Australia contains 22% [3]. Similarly, the investigation said that Maggi noodles in India use palm oil, whereas the UK version uses sunflower oil [3].
These variations are driven by cost considerations and the local regulatory environment [1]. The investigation also detailed how global food giants have resisted efforts to implement mandatory front-of-pack nutritional warnings in India [4]. These "red flags" were proposed to help consumers identify high levels of sugar, and fats to curb obesity [1].
Companies have fought back against these labeling requirements, preferring the current regulatory framework over more explicit health warnings [1]. The report said that the gap between global recipes reflects a strategy to maximize profit margins in a massive emerging market while navigating weaker labeling mandates [4].
“Indian Fanta contains three times as much sugar as the UK version”
The use of inferior or higher-sugar ingredients in India suggests a tiered global quality standard where regulatory loopholes allow companies to sell less healthy versions of the same brand. The resistance to front-of-pack labeling further indicates a corporate effort to shield consumers from the health implications of these localized recipes.
