Food labelling in India: a scoping review of consumer engagement, comprehension, and purchase behaviour

Amid rising packaged food consumption in India and its associated health risks–including obesity and non-communicable diseases–this scoping review synthesised India-specific evidence on consumer awareness, comprehension, and behavioural responses to food labels on pre-packaged products. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist and Arksey and O’Malley framework, five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and Google Scholar were searched for peer-reviewed primary studies conducted in India between 2014 and 2024. Studies were included if they assessed food label literacy, interpretation, or use in purchase behaviour in Indian settings. Thirty-two studies were included, covering diverse populations and geographic settings. Bibliometric synthesis showed a predominance of cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes, and practices studies, with limited experimental or multidisciplinary research. Findings were organised into three analytical themes: a) determinants of food label literacy, including socio-demographic and cognitive factors; b) consumer perceptions of label components, their placement on packaging, visual appeal, and cognitive utility; and c) behavioural implications of label engagement and its perceived influence on purchase intentions. Evidence from this review highlights persistent gaps between label awareness, engagement, and purchase intentions. To inform policy and practice–and to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Target 3.4–reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases) & Goal 12 (Target 12.8–promoting awareness and information access)–future research should prioritise experimental and implementation-focused designs tailored to India’s demographic, cultural, and market heterogeneity.