Hemp on the Menu: The Superfood India Didn’t See Coming in 2019
Seeds, oils, and nutrition powders made hemp the newest buzz in India’s health market.
Hemp foods hit India in 2019 as startups launched seeds, oils, and powders, while CSIR-NBRI explored edible hemp germplasm for nutrition and sustainability.
2019 was the year hemp foods in India stopped being niche and started going mainstream. Startups rolled out hemp seeds, cold-pressed oils, and protein powders, pitching them as the perfect plant-based superfood for health-conscious consumers.
Packed with protein, omega fatty acids, and fibre, hemp was suddenly on par with quinoa and chia in India’s wellness circles. Founders called it “nutrition without compromise” — a crop that supported farmers, sustainability, and better diets.
At the same time, researchers at CSIR-NBRI turned their focus to edible hemp germplasm, studying varieties best suited for Indian agriculture and consumption. Their work signaled that hemp wasn’t just a fad but part of a long-term plan to strengthen India’s food security and wellness industries.
For entrepreneurs, the boom proved that hemp legalisation India 2019 was about more than textiles or wellness — it was about reshaping what Indians eat.
With shelves stocked and research backing its benefits, hemp went from taboo plant to superfood star — and 2019 was the year India finally got a taste.
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