Traditional sweet consumption patterns of people in Hyderabad were assessed in a survey. Image is for representational purposes only. | Photo credit: NAGARA GOPAL
As Deepavali, the festival of lights when people eat more sweets, approaches, Hyderabad’s penchant for sweet indulgence shows no sign of abating. Almost three out of four households in the city consume sweets several times a month, reflecting the nationwide rise in sugar consumption in urban India. LocalCircles’ latest sweet consumption survey, which received over 84,000 responses from 303 districts across the country, reveals that Hyderabad’s eating habits correspond closely to the national pattern of increasing frequency and diversity of sweet preferences.
In Hyderabad, where 8,830 people participated in the study, 7% of respondents said their households consumed traditional Indian sweets every day. Another 24% eat it 15 to 30 times a month, while 32% indulge eight to 15 times. About 14% said they eat sweets three to seven times a month, and only 4% said they don’t eat them at all.
When it comes to packaged sweet foods such as cakes, cookies, ice creams, shakes, chocolates and candies, urban preferences are even stronger: 13% of respondents said they consume these products daily, while 28% consume them 15 to 30 times a month and 21% eight to 15 times a month and 22% consume them three to seven times.
A significant number of people in Hyderabad are addicted to sugar Of the total, 15% said that everyone in their household is addicted to sugar or sugary products, while 18% estimated that half to three-quarters of their family members are addicted. In contrast, 26% said no one in their household showed signs of addiction. Despite this dependence, 21% of respondents said they would “definitely” switch to products containing 30% less sugar if available, while a further 18% said they were “highly likely” to do so.
Findings at the national level reflect Hyderabad’s preference for sugar. An overall survey by LocalCircles found that 74% of urban Indian households consume traditional Indian sweets three or more times a month, with 5% eating them daily. This represents a 40% increase in just 18 months compared to the 2024 survey. Similarly, 79% of households consume packaged sweet foods three or more times per month, with 11% doing so daily, suggesting that both traditional and modern sweets are an integral part of urban consumption patterns.
The survey also revealed that 70% of consumers in urban households are “very likely” to switch to products with 30% less sugar, indicating brands’ readiness for health-focused innovation. Nevertheless, 43% of respondents said that most members of their household are addicted to sugar or sweet products.
LocalCircles is a community-based social media platform that allows citizens and small businesses to connect, discuss issues, share solutions, and collaborate to solve common problems.
Published – 18 Oct 2025 16:56 IST
