Dairy products are essential components of a balanced diet, offering vital nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins. However, in recent decades, Iran has witnessed a notable shift in dairy consumption patterns. This study investigates the 30-year trend (1991–2021) in dairy consumption among Iranian households, emphasizing the role of income disparities and economic pressures in shaping these dietary behaviors.
The research uses national-level household income and expenditure surveys to explore how different income groups—particularly the poorest and richest deciles—have adapted their dairy consumption over time. These findings are especially relevant given the rising concerns around food insecurity, malnutrition, and growing economic inequality in Iran.
The study utilizes data from annual Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (HIES) conducted by the Statistical Center of Iran between 1991 and 2021. The analysis focuses on the quantity of dairy consumption—measured in kilograms per adult equivalent per year—and stratifies this data across income deciles and urban/rural divides. The dairy category includes milk, yogurt, cheese, cream, and dough (a yogurt-based drink).
The researchers applied regression models and slope index of inequality (SII) to measure income-related disparities in dairy consumption over time.
Key Findings
Overall Decline in Dairy Consumption
One of the most critical outcomes of the study is the consistent downward trend in dairy consumption over the past three decades. Between 1991 and 2021, the average dairy intake fell significantly, especially among the lower-income households. For instance:
- Milk and yogurt consumption decreased by over 50% in the lowest income deciles.
- Cheese consumption remained relatively stable but was always higher in the wealthier groups.
This decline is particularly concerning because dairy products are primary sources of calcium and protein in the Iranian diet.
Income Disparities and Inequality
The most striking aspect of the findings is the widening gap in dairy consumption between rich and poor households:
- In the early 1990s, dairy intake was relatively equitable across income groups.
- Over time, wealthier households managed to maintain or slightly reduce their dairy consumption, while poorer households experienced severe drops.
- The SII showed an increasing inequality index, indicating that economic status has become a stronger determinant of dietary choices.
In practical terms, low-income households are increasingly priced out of essential nutrition, which could worsen public health outcomes in the long term.
Urban vs. Rural Differences
The trend differed slightly between urban and rural settings:
- Rural households, which historically had higher dairy consumption (due to easier access and production), have seen sharper declines.
- Urban areas experienced steadier, but still significant, reductions—suggesting that food affordability and price sensitivity are greater challenges in rural settings.
Contributing Factors
Several economic and policy-related factors have driven these trends:
- Rising Inflation and Food Prices:
Inflation in Iran has outpaced wage growth for much of the past three decades. Dairy products, being perishable and reliant on cold supply chains, have been particularly vulnerable to price hikes. - Subsidy Reforms and Targeted Assistance:
In 2010, Iran implemented major subsidy reforms aiming to reduce government spending. These changes removed or reduced food subsidies, especially for dairy. While targeted cash transfers were introduced, they were insufficient to offset the rising cost of nutritious foods. - Import and Production Challenges:
Domestic dairy production has faced challenges due to increased costs for animal feed, energy, and processing. Meanwhile, import restrictions and currency fluctuations have made dairy imports more expensive. - Pandemic Impact (2020–2021):
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity. Income shocks and disrupted supply chains during the pandemic years led to sharp declines in dairy purchasing, especially among vulnerable groups.
Policy Implications
The authors recommend several strategies to mitigate the growing inequality in dairy consumption:
- Reintroduce Targeted Dairy Subsidies:
Reconsidering subsidies specifically for essential dairy items (like milk and yogurt) could improve affordability for low-income families. - Nutrition Education Campaigns:
Raising awareness about affordable, local sources of dairy and its health benefits could help influence positive dietary changes. - Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains:
Investing in cold chains, rural production infrastructure, and dairy cooperatives can reduce costs and improve access. - Monitor and Regulate Prices:
Government interventions to stabilize food prices during inflationary periods could help maintain consumption levels, especially among the poorest.
Conclusion
This comprehensive 30-year analysis of dairy consumption in Iran reveals a worrying decline in the intake of essential dairy products—driven largely by economic inequality. The widening gap between rich and poor households has deepened nutritional disparities and increased the risk of malnutrition, particularly in children and vulnerable populations.
To protect public health and ensure nutritional equity, Iran must prioritize food affordability in its economic policies. Reintroducing subsidies, supporting rural dairy production, and launching community-based nutrition initiatives could help reverse these trends and close the dietary gap among income groups.
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