Consumption Pattern of Jaggery and Jaggery Products in 3 Cities in Western Maharashtra

Jaggery is a traditional sweetener prepared from sugarcane. Jaggery as a sweetener has useful nutritive components and is said to have various health benefits. Despite having better nutrient composition that refined sugar, use of jaggery appears to have decreased. The present investigation studied consumption patterns of jaggery and jaggery products in 3 cities in Western state of Maharashtra, India. It was found that majority of the people use sugar on a daily basis as compared to jaggery which they mostly use during festivals or special occasions. Color was the major criteria followed by shape and texture while choosing jaggery. Families used jaggery in various products, puranpoli being the most popular.80 % families purchase of jaggery for around 50 Rs per month.