India’s health food space is exploding—but with it, so are misleading labels and half-truths disguised as wellness. Let's understand the difference between 'healthy' and 'better for you'

“Better For You” Does NOT Equal “Healthy” — Let’s Not Confuse the Two!

As the founder of Renewtra, I spend a lot of time studying ingredients, consumer behavior, and what’s really on Indian shelves. And what I’m seeing is concerning.
India’s health food space is exploding—but with it, so are misleading labels and half-truths disguised as wellness.
Let's understand the difference between 'healthy' and 'better for you':
🔹 “Better For You”
This just means a slightly improved version of a junk product. Think: baked chips instead of fried, cola with stevia, or biscuits with added oats, protein bars with maida. It’s not good for you—it’s just less bad. It’s damage control, not health.
🔹 “Healthy”
This should mean a product supports long-term wellbeing. But today, too many products wear the “healthy” badge while being ultra-processed, loaded with maltodextrin, artificial fibers, seed oils, or sugar in disguise (like jaggery, fruit concentrates, or syrups). Just because it has quinoa or chia doesn’t make it nourishing.
As a consumer, you shouldn’t have to decode a label like a chemist to eat clean. But unfortunately, labeling loopholes and vague regulations in India still allow marketing to outpace truth.

I believe the next chapter in India’s wellness revolution will be defined by:
✅ Ingredient-level transparency
✅ Functional efficacy, not just trendiness
✅ Education-driven marketing over hype

Consumers deserve better. And as founders, it’s on us to raise the bar—not just the margins.

by Renewtra Renewing Nutrition – June 07, 2025