Dairy continues to play a central role in the everyday diets of Indian households, with a vast majority regularly consuming multiple milk-based products as part of their daily meals. According to insights from the FY25–26 Lactograph study released by Godrej Jersey, nearly 75.8 percent of Indians can be classified as “active dairy consumers,” indicating households that incorporate milk along with a variety of dairy products in their regular food habits.
The findings reveal that dairy consumption in India has evolved significantly beyond the traditional glass of milk. Today, milk and its derivatives are integrated into a broad range of meals and beverages—from breakfast and cooking ingredients to festive desserts and modern health-focused drinks. This widespread usage demonstrates how dairy remains deeply rooted in India’s food culture while adapting to changing dietary preferences.
The study suggests that many households are developing what it describes as a “dairy basket,” where milk is complemented by several other dairy products used throughout the day. Among households that actively consume dairy, curd emerges as the most commonly used product, with around 80 percent reporting regular consumption. Paneer follows closely at 76 percent, while butter and ghee remain widely used at 74 percent and 71 percent respectively.
Other popular dairy items include lassi, cheese, yogurt, and traditional milk-based sweets, which also feature prominently in household consumption patterns. The variety of products highlights the versatility of dairy, which serves multiple roles—from cooking ingredients and meal accompaniments to snacks and celebratory dishes.
Although dairy is widely consumed across the country, the way it appears in daily meals varies across regions. Curd stands out as one of the most universally accepted dairy products in India, forming an essential part of meals across many states. In southern India, curd rice and buttermilk are common staples, while in northern regions it is frequently served as raita or plain yogurt alongside main dishes.
Paneer, once strongly associated with North Indian cuisine, has steadily gained popularity across the country. Over time, it has become an important vegetarian protein option used in a wide range of dishes across regional cuisines. Today it appears in both traditional recipes and modern food preparations, reflecting its expanding role in Indian diets.
Alongside everyday staples, indulgent dairy products continue to hold strong cultural significance. Ghee, butter, and milk-based sweets remain closely tied to family traditions, religious festivals, and celebratory meals. Their continued popularity illustrates how dairy products carry both nutritional and emotional value in Indian households.
At the same time, dairy consumption patterns are evolving in response to changing lifestyles, particularly in urban areas and among younger consumers. Milk and dairy-based ingredients are increasingly used in smoothies, protein beverages, shakes, and café-style drinks. These modern formats are helping dairy integrate into contemporary routines focused on fitness, convenience, and energy.
Shantanu Raj, Head of Marketing at Godrej Jersey, noted that Indian consumers are gradually moving away from viewing dairy solely as a basic commodity. Instead, it is becoming a diverse and value-added category that includes everything from everyday essentials to protein-rich products designed for active lifestyles.
He added that Godrej Jersey’s product strategy reflects this transformation by combining the familiarity of traditional dairy with innovations that provide greater nutritional value, convenience, and versatility. The company aims to continue developing offerings that maintain the trusted taste of dairy while meeting the evolving needs of modern consumers.
By analyzing how frequently different dairy products are consumed and the formats in which they appear, the Lactograph findings provide valuable insight into the role dairy plays in India’s nutritional habits today. The data confirms that dairy continues to function as a key pillar of everyday nutrition, bridging traditional meals and modern dietary trends.
Godrej Jersey operates under Creamline Dairy Products Limited and has been a prominent dairy brand in southern India since 1986. The company has built a strong presence across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra. With eight integrated dairy facilities and an advanced milk powder plant in Ongole, the company has expanded beyond milk to offer a broad portfolio of dairy products.
Over the years, the Jersey brand has earned widespread consumer trust for quality and reliability. Following its association with the Godrej brand, the company has also refreshed its visual identity while preserving its recognizable cow-pattern design. The updated branding reflects both its longstanding heritage and its continued commitment to delivering high-quality dairy products to Indian households.
