The Local Circles 2025 survey found that 74 percent of urban households consume traditional sweets three or more times a month, with higher consumption during festive periods. While five percent said they consume sugar daily, 26 percent reported consuming it 15–30 times a month.

Dr Mohan was glad that people have started gifting nuts instead of sweets. Unsalted nuts help increase satiety, reducing carbohydrate intake, he said, adding, “Portion control is important. A small piece of sweets on one or two days may not cause much harm.”

Sachin Taparia, founder of LocalCircles, emphasized caution during festive times. “Even as sugar consumption rises in India, awareness about the link between high sugar, seed oils, and diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and obesity remains limited. The industry should provide more low-sugar products to help curb excess consumption,” he said.

According to the 2023 ICMR-INDIAB study, India had an estimated 101 million people with diabetes, 136 million pre-diabetics, and 315 million people with hypertension in 2021. MDRF coordinated the study with ICMR.