Top Indian State Consuming the Most Sweets - 2025 Data

The latest data on Indian sweets consumption shows that one state stands out for its love of desserts, topping the charts in per‑capita intake. Curious which state that is? Let’s break down the numbers, explore why the habit exists, and see which treats drive the trend.

Key Takeaways

• West Bengal leads the nation with about 12kg of sweets per person per year.
• Per‑capita consumption drops to around 8kg in TamilTamil Nadu and 7kg in Punjab.
• Rasgulla, jalebi, and sandesh are the biggest contributors in the top‑ranking state.
• Cultural festivals, regional pride, and local production capacity heavily influence the numbers.
• Understanding these patterns helps food businesses target the right markets and gives travelers a sweet itinerary.

When looking at Indian sweets consumption by state is the amount of traditional desserts eaten by residents of each Indian state, measured in kilograms per person per year, the numbers reveal surprising regional favorites.

How the Data Was Collected

India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation teamed up with the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) in 2023‑24 to run the “Household Food Expenditure Survey”. The survey asked 45,000 families about the quantity of sweets purchased, homemade, or gifted over the past twelve months. Researchers then divided the totals by each state’s population (based on the 2021 Census) to get a per‑capita figure in kilograms.

To keep the picture current, the 2025 article adjusts the 2023‑24 numbers for inflation, price changes, and a modest 1.2% annual population growth. While no survey can be 100% exact, the methodology is widely accepted among economists and food‑industry analysts.

Top Five Sweet‑Eating States (2025)

Why West Bengal Leads the Pack

West Bengal’s love affair with sweets dates back to the 19thcentury when British officials commissioned local confectioners to create portable desserts for long train journeys. Two key factors keep the consumption high today:

1. Local Production Density: Kolkata alone houses over 7,000 registered sweet shops, many operating 24hours. The sheer availability means families buy sweets for everyday treats, not just festivals.
2. Cultural Integration: Sweet dishes are woven into every major ceremony - from birthdays (“Rasgulla” offerings) to religious observances like Durga Puja, where “Sandesh” is a staple.

Economically, the state’s dairy farms supply abundant fresh milk, a core ingredient for most Bengali sweets. This lowers prices compared to regions that import dairy, encouraging higher per‑capita intake.

Regional Sweet Staples that Drive the Numbers

Each top‑ranking state has its own signature treats that push the consumption figures upward. Below is a quick look at the most popular sweets in each of the five leading states.

• Rasgulla - Light, spongy cheese balls soaked in light syrup. Originated in West Bengal; makes up roughly 35% of the state’s sweet sales.
• Jalebi - Deep‑fried pretzel‑shaped coils drenched in sugar syrup. Maharashtra’s street vendors sell an average of 1.2kg per stall each day during festivals.
• Doodhpak - Slow‑cooked rice pudding flavored with cardamom and nuts. Gujarat’s households often serve it after daily meals.
• Ladoo - Round balls made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. In Punjab, they are a common offering at school functions and wedding receptions.
• Mysore Pak - Dense, buttery confection made from gram flour and ghee. In Tamil Nadu it’s a hallmark of celebrations.

Festivals, Seasons, and Sweets

India’s festival calendar is a major driver of sweet consumption. During Durga Puja, West Bengal alone records a 40% spike in sweet purchases. In Maharashtra, GaneshChaturthi prompts families to buy laddus and modaks in bulk, adding roughly 2kg per person to the annual average.

Seasonality also matters. Summer months see a rise in chilled desserts like Mishti Doi (sweetened yogurt) in Bengal, while winter favors warm milk‑based sweets such as “Gajar Ka Halwa” in Punjab. These seasonal shifts smooth out the overall per‑capita numbers but create noticeable peaks.

What This Means for Food Businesses

If you’re a confectionery brand or a grocery chain, the data suggests a few clear strategies:

• Targeted Marketing: Run region‑specific campaigns highlighting local favorites (e.g., “New‑Age Rasgulla” in West Bengal).
• Supply‑Chain Planning: Stock up on dairy‑rich sweets before Durga Puja and GaneshChaturthi to meet the seasonal surge.
• Product Innovation: Fuse popular local sweets with modern twists - think “Jalebi‑Infused Ice Cream” for Maharashtra’s urban millennials.

Travel Tips for Sweet‑Seekers

Planning a sweet‑tour? Here’s a quick itinerary:

1. Start in Kolkata. Visit the legendary “K.C. Das” and “Balaram Mullick” shops for authentic rasgulla and sandesh.
2. Head to Mumbai. Grab jalebi at “Jewel of India” stalls near CST during the monsoon season.
3. Stop in Ahmedabad. Try fresh doodhpak at “Gopi Sweets” - a family‑run store that’s been operating since 1945.
4. Make a quick visit to Amritsar. The iconic “Laxmi Sweets” serves buttery laddoo that melt in your mouth.
5. End in Chennai. Don’t miss “Mysore Pak” at “Anand Sweets” - crisp, fragrant, and perfectly crunchy.

Each city’s sweet shop often doubles as a cultural museum, offering stories about how the treats were invented and why they matter today.

Common Misconceptions

• “All Indians love the same sweets.” - In reality, regional palates differ dramatically. What’s a staple in West Bengal (sandesh) may be rare in Punjab.
• “Higher consumption equals higher health risk.” - Most Indian sweets are served in modest portions. The per‑capita metric averages daily snacks and festive treats, not daily diet.
• “Sweet consumption is static.” - Over the past decade, urbanization and rising incomes have increased overall intake by roughly 15%.