Rising inflation has significantly reduced food consumption among Pakistani households, according to official data. Nearly all staple foods declined from 2018 to 2025, except tomatoes. Experts say higher costs are reshaping household diets.
Wheat and flour consumption dropped from 7kg to 6.6kg per person monthly. Rice fell from 1.06kg to 0.86kg, pulses from 0.35kg to 0.26kg. Milk, oil, meat, and eggs also saw noticeable declines, showing widespread reduction in key staples.
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Per capita tomato intake was the only exception, rising from 0.41–0.51kg to 0.59–0.95kg. Potato, onion, sugar, and tea consumption all fell. Analysts link this to shifting spending priorities amid rising prices.
The survey also revealed household income increased 97% over five years, but expenses surged 113%, outpacing income growth. Housing ownership declined slightly, while renting rose, and more families used clean fuels and tap water.
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Digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube emerged as major income sources. Experts warn that declining food intake highlights inflation’s impact on household welfare and changing lifestyles nationwide.