The Wire (India) investigated the Indian diet and the role of pulses as a protein in a predominantly vegetarian diet. The National Family Health Survey-5 conducted in 2019-21 revealed that only 16.6% of men and 29.4% of women have never consumed non-vegetarian food (fish, chicken, or meat).
Researchers at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) have highlighted that the average Indian diet has excessive consumption of cereals but is deficient in proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Rural India consumes only 194 grams of protein a day, against the recommended 459 grams. Urban Indians consume 242 grams.