3 Ways Technology-Based D2C Brands are Changing Indian Kitchens

Indian kitchens have remarkably evolved over the years, in line with advancements in technology, the emergence of new tools or appliances, and changing lifestyles. With time, cooking has turned less labor-intensive and more convenient- with transitions from chulha to gas stoves, pots to pressure cookers, and now smart cooking devices. The major turning points have always been a step towards making cooking a less arduous task for all.

Technology-based D2C brands have now picked up the baton of helping people prepare nutritious meals easily. By offering innovative appliances, healthy food options or groceries, and personalized meal planning, these companies are making every aspect of fixing a meal more efficient. By expanding the choices and possibilities in the kitchen, these businesses are equipping every Indian dealing with time constraints to eat better and not compromise on their health. 

Smart Kitchen Devices

Smart kitchen devices are revolutionizing cooking at home by making the process significantly effortless. Through WiFi-enabled devices and artificial intelligence, these appliances are making cooking more enjoyable for individuals and families. In fact, rising demand from India, Japan, and South Korea will lead to the fastest growth in the Asia Pacific market for smart cooking assistants.

The presence of smart kitchen products is being increasingly felt in Indian kitchens. Smart water purifiers that auto-update and sync, dosa or chapati makers that prepare the dish for you, and AI-enabled smart cooking assistants with preset recipes and automated functions such as chopping, stirring, and sautéing are enabling food to be cooked with minimal effort. Young urban professionals are utilizing these smart devices to minimize their time spent in the kitchen, allowing them to focus more on other commitments. Driven by greater innovation and demand, the market for smart kitchen appliances in India is likely to grow from $0.50 billion in 2022 to $1.2 billion by 2030.

Personalized Nutritional Information

To help people make wise choices with their food, several D2C brands are now providing personalized nutritional information such as calorie intake, lists of ingredients, and the nutritional value of a packaged food item. Making this information readily accessible is crucial for those striving to eat healthily or have dietary restrictions. Apps such as MyFitnessPal, HealthifyMe, Fooducate, and My Diet Coach- Weight Loss track nutrition and provide users additional knowledge about what they are eating or should eat so they may customize their diets to achieve their fitness goals. The inclusion of these apps in day-to-day lives has led to more mindful cooking in Indian households. 

Smart Cooking Assistants like the delishUp⤴️ also give you nutritional information about the food before cooking, so one can manage their portion and nutrition intake at the source. 

Healthier Ingredients and Snacks

The kitchen is the heart of a home and it plays a major role in influencing food choices or meal planning, depending on the type of ingredients and equipment one has. With an increasing preference for organic and vegan meals, technology-based D2C brands are also focusing on offering healthy and sustainable ingredients for daily meals, such as organic produce, grass-fed meats, or artisanal cheese. Companies such as Licious, Meatigo, and Cowvathi are helping people to acquire an array of fresh ingredients to expand their cooking options with additional varieties and encourage experimenting with their food. Apart from providing customers with healthier options, it also promotes sustainability and reduces the environmental impact of their food choices.

According to a recent study, nearly 81 percent of Indians are choosing to substitute one meal of the day with a healthy snack. Preferring to have multiple small meals throughout the day, many seek nourishing snacking options to combine their desires for indulgence with the requirement for wholesome meals. With ‘superfoods’ gaining momentum, brands like Ritebite, Snackible, The Whole Truth Foods, and Tata Soulfull are offering healthier breakfast cereals and protein bars, providing an alternative to fried or sodium snacks. Consumption of protein bars and health supplements is also projected to increase owing to the rising health consciousness among consumers.

D2C players are transforming kitchens by making cooking at home easier through new-age appliances and making resources such as high-quality ingredients, recipes, or virtual classes readily available. As the current catalysts that are accelerating the age-old endeavor to make cooking less intimidating for everyone, this shift is changing the way people prepare food and eat, ultimately shaping the future of the Indian kitchen.