Economic Survey highlights declining consumption of protein-rich foods as rising prices and weaker purchasing power reduce dietary diversity.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is experiencing a decline in diet quality as households increasingly reduce their consumption of protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods in response to rising food prices and constrained incomes, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26.

The survey warns that deteriorating dietary diversity poses a growing challenge to public health, child development and long-term economic productivity, particularly among lower-income households struggling to afford balanced diets.

Malnutrition remains a significant concern

According to the Economic Survey, good nutrition is essential for human development, educational achievement, workforce productivity and sustainable economic growth.

The report notes that the nutritional status of children, adolescents and women of reproductive age has a direct impact on health outcomes and future economic performance. Despite its importance, Pakistan continues to face multiple forms of malnutrition that threaten inclusive development.

Rising food prices reduce dietary diversity

The survey, citing findings from the Household Integrated Economic Survey (HIES) 2024-25, states that higher food prices and limited household purchasing power have reduced access to nutritious diets.

Many families, particularly those with lower incomes, are increasingly replacing nutrient-rich foods with cheaper, energy-dense alternatives to manage rising living costs.

Consumption of key nutritious foods declines

Data from the HIES show that monthly per capita consumption of several essential food items fell between 2018-19 and 2024-25.

Food item	2018-19 (kg)	2024-25 (kg)
Wheat and wheat flour	7.00	6.59
Rice and rice flour	1.06	0.86
Pulses	0.35	0.26
Vegetable ghee	0.69	1.25
Cooking oil	0.32	0.28
Milk (fresh and boiled)	6.85	6.15
Meat (beef, mutton and chicken)	0.61	0.50
Fruits	1.65	1.86
Vegetables	4.95	4.77
Sugar (desi and milled)	1.28	1.22

The figures indicate that consumption of several staple and protein-rich foods has declined over the six-year period.

Shift towards cheaper calorie sources

One of the most notable dietary changes highlighted by the survey is the increased reliance on vegetable ghee.

Monthly per capita consumption of vegetable ghee rose from 0.69 kg to 1.25 kg, suggesting a shift towards more affordable sources of dietary energy.

By contrast, consumption of key protein and nutrient-rich foods declined:

• Pulses fell from 0.35 kg to 0.26 kg per person per month.

• Milk consumption declined from 6.85 kg to 6.15 kg.

• Meat consumption decreased from 0.61 kg to 0.50 kg.

Consumption of wheat, rice, vegetables and sugar also registered declines, while fruit consumption recorded a modest increase.

Long-term health implications

The Economic Survey of Pakistan 2025-26 concludes that the changing pattern of food consumption reflects the combined impact of rising food prices and weakened household purchasing power.

The report cautions that declining dietary diversity and reduced intake of protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods could have lasting consequences for public health, child growth, educational outcomes and labour productivity.

It emphasises the importance of strengthening food security, improving access to affordable nutritious foods and implementing policies that promote balanced diets to support healthier communities and sustainable economic development.