Perceptions of Milk Alternatives in Contemporary Urban India (A Qualitative Study)

Khara, T

Perceptions of Milk Alternatives in Contemporary Urban India (A Qualitative Study)

Khara, T

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Publication Type:: Conference Proceeding
Citation:: The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Annual International Conference, 2022
Issue Date:: 2022-09-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Khara, T
dc.contributor.editor	Müller, F
dc.date	2022-08-30
dc.date.accessioned	2022-09-09T01:30:01Z
dc.date.available	2022-07-01
dc.date.available	2022-09-09T01:30:01Z
dc.date.issued	2022-09-01
dc.identifier.citation	The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Annual International Conference, 2022
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/161568
dc.description.abstract	Milk has long-standing cultural significance within the traditional Indian diet. It is not only prevalent in many Indian cuisines, but is also an integral material component of several Hindu socio-cultural practices. Today, India’s levels of milk consumption are among the highest in the world. Over the coming decades, milk consumption and production in India are predicted to increase as the country moves from small-scale farming to more intensive modes of factory farming. Previous work has highlighted numerous environmental and ethical challenges associated with intensive dairy production in India today. In view of these challenges, the objective of our study was to explore Indian consumer attitudes towards milk alternatives and vegan dietary practices. Our study uses Shove et al.’s model of social practice theory and draws upon a sample of 33 Mumbai residents aged 23-45 years. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were the main mode of data collection, supplemented by observations in Indian markets, restaurants, and local neighbourhoods. In summary, the findings highlighted that perceptions towards milk alternatives were somewhat mixed. Some viewed these alternatives as beneficial for addressing specific health concerns and problems associated with animal welfare. On the other hand, these foods were not seen as suitable material alternatives for everyday dietary and cultural practices. They were also described to have poor sensory appeal. This paper further elaborates upon Indian consumer views towards milk alternatives and veganism. As part of our discussion, we cover barriers, opportunities and potential strategies to encourage more sustainable dietary practices in India.
dc.language	en
dc.relation.ispartof	The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Annual International Conference
dc.relation.ispartofseries	New Geographies of Food Protein
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	Perceptions of Milk Alternatives in Contemporary Urban India (A Qualitative Study)
dc.type	Conference Proceeding
utslib.location.activity	Newcastle, United Kingdom
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)/Institute For Sustainable Futures
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-09-09T01:29:59Z
pubs.finish-date	2022-09-02
pubs.publication-status	Accepted
pubs.start-date	2022-08-30

Abstract:

Milk has long-standing cultural significance within the traditional Indian diet. It is not only prevalent in many Indian cuisines, but is also an integral material component of several Hindu socio-cultural practices. Today, India’s levels of milk consumption are among the highest in the world. Over the coming decades, milk consumption and production in India are predicted to increase as the country moves from small-scale farming to more intensive modes of factory farming. Previous work has highlighted numerous environmental and ethical challenges associated with intensive dairy production in India today. In view of these challenges, the objective of our study was to explore Indian consumer attitudes towards milk alternatives and vegan dietary practices. Our study uses Shove et al.’s model of social practice theory and draws upon a sample of 33 Mumbai residents aged 23-45 years. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were the main mode of data collection, supplemented by observations in Indian markets, restaurants, and local neighbourhoods. In summary, the findings highlighted that perceptions towards milk alternatives were somewhat mixed. Some viewed these alternatives as beneficial for addressing specific health concerns and problems associated with animal welfare. On the other hand, these foods were not seen as suitable material alternatives for everyday dietary and cultural practices. They were also described to have poor sensory appeal. This paper further elaborates upon Indian consumer views towards milk alternatives and veganism. As part of our discussion, we cover barriers, opportunities and potential strategies to encourage more sustainable dietary practices in India.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/161568