Pakistanis consume less wheat, milk and meat as food costs squeeze household budgets

Pakistanis are consuming smaller quantities of key food items, including wheat, rice, pulses, milk and meat, than they did six years ago, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, which links the trend to rising food prices and pressure on household incomes.

The survey found that monthly per capita wheat and wheat flour consumption fell from 7.0 kilogrammes in 2018-19 to 6.59kg in 2024-25. Rice consumption declined from 1.06kg to 0.86kg, while pulses dropped from 0.35kg to 0.26kg per person per month.

Consumption of fresh milk decreased from 6.85kg to 6.15kg, while meat consumption, including beef, mutton and chicken, fell from 0.61kg to 0.50kg over the same period.

In contrast, vegetable ghee consumption rose sharply from 0.69kg to 1.25kg per person per month, an increase of 81%.

According to the survey, the changes indicate a decline in dietary diversity as households shift towards lower-cost food options.

“Access to adequate and nutritious food is directly associated with its affordability,” the survey noted, adding that rising food prices can reduce households' ability to purchase a balanced diet, particularly among lower-income groups.

The survey stated that increasing food costs and constrained incomes are encouraging consumers to substitute nutrient-rich foods with cheaper, energy-dense alternatives.

It also showed that the monthly cost of a minimum food basket per person increased by 3.2% between July 2025 and March 2026, reaching a peak of Rs6,417 in October before easing slightly in subsequent months.