Why you should check for Right To Protein’s soy-fed labels on packaged non-veg food items

The pandemic propelled a significant shift in the food consumption habits and preferences of most individuals with many introducing high-quality meals into their diets that would help them stay healthy. Not only this, the protein came to play an important role in the consumer’s quest to strengthen their immunity and maintain their overall well-being.

Today, even though COVID cases in the country are declining, the demand for protein seems to have remained intact, owing to the fact that it is a macronutrient that is generally known to assist in fitness and muscular strength.

In a nation like India, while there are several vegetarian protein sources, non-vegetarian foods such as meat, dairy, poultry, and fish undeniably represent excellent sources of high-quality protein. If you are someone who often heads out to buy yourself non-veg packaged products, an imperative question you must ask yourself is - Is it good quality nutrition that I am carrying home? Making the right purchase can be tricky especially when the market is flooded with all kinds of non-veg packaged items. So, how does one distinguish quality protein? The answer lies in knowing that it is the feed of the animal that plays an important role. You are what your food is fed!


"It is critical to feed high-quality fodder to animal proteins in order to obtain quality nutrition. Soy is a fantastic component for both animal and human consumption. In terms of animals, soy feed helps them in their growth and development as it is easily digestible and adequately fulfils their nutritional requirements,” said Dr. Pawan Kumar, US Soybean Export Council, while speaking at the launch of India’s first voluntary feed label - Soy Fed by Right To Protein.

He further adds that consumers should definitely look for this label when purchasing non-veg food items as it signifies that the fish, chicken, or poultry they have picked up is of high-quality, well-fed with rich soy protein/soybean meal.

Furthermore, owing to the current times that we are living in; it is critical to realize that there is a dearth of understanding in the country about the importance of feed labelling.

Author and nutritionist Kavita Devgan, a panellist at the virtual launch of Right to Protein’s Soy Fed Label said, “We are what we eat, as many people are aware, but it is time to educate everyone that we are also what our feed has been fed. The Soy Fed Product label is a step in the right direction. I believe that customers need to make more informed decisions, and they require tools to do so and what better tool than this label.”

The event brought together nutritionists, producers, industry stalwarts, and experts to have a crucial discussion regarding feed labelling, share information on major research and bring forth a shared realization that the Indian consumer today is more health-conscious than ever before and for this trend to continue they need to be armed with the right information/ education/awareness, thus further empowering them to make apt food choices.
A recent study by Nielsen - The India Food to Feed that was conducted across 16 locations, revealed that more than 80% of non-vegetarians in the country read the label while purchasing food. 90% believe that food labels help consumers make better purchasing decisions. However, 65% are unaware that animal feed helps humans have better nutrition.

"The India Food to Feed Study emphasises the importance of education. Consumers now are ready to demand their fair share of health, and they do it by demanding accurate information from food manufacturers. Those that pursue this line of thought and path will be rewarded in the future. People need to know about the correct relationships, and this label helps with that," said Kavita.

Further stressing on the significance of labelling Rashida Vapiwala, Founder of Labelblind, a nutritech firm promoting standards of food advertising practices in India stated, "There is a need for producing labels that are more conversational, honest, and unambiguous. Knowing that customers in the country harbour a profound love for consuming animal products as a source of protein, we sometimes neglect or are unaware that a big portion of chicken, meat, fish and other seafood are given creepies meal. This is precisely where Right To Protein has stepped in and introduced India's first Soy Fed product label to assist customers in understanding what has gone into their product and to help promote increased nutrition and health knowledge."

D Varun Reddy, Director and CEO of Sneha Group, also one of the early adopters of Soy Fed Label said, “There is a dearth of understanding about how we raise our birds. Soy is one of the ingredients that we producers offer to our livestock as a key protein source. While we want to make our consumers aware of the feed component, doing so on an individual level is tough, which is where a label like Soy Fed Product comes in. It aids us in communicating that the animal product has been fed high-quality protein feed and is not tainted.”

The ‘Soy Fed Product’ label is not only a tool for end-consumers to differentiate packaged soy-fed poultry, meat, and fish but also for the industry to recognise it as a quality protein source for their animal feed. If the major source of their livestock, poultry, or fish is protein-rich soybean meal, brands can easily adapt this voluntary label to provide their consumers with high-quality animal protein.

So, the next time you head out shopping for non-vegetarian packaged foods, look for Right to Protein’s ‘Soy Fed’ label to ensure you are buying and consuming high-quality protein. Ultimately, you are what your food is fed!