As quick-commerce giants Zepto Cafe, Zomato’s Bistro, and Swiggy Bolt compete to deliver meals in just 10 minutes, concerns are mounting about the health implications of this ultra-fast service. Critics argue that the promise of convenience might come at the expense of public health, as these meals are often ultra-processed and lack nutritional value. Now, orthopaedic surgeon and co-founder of NutriByte Wellness, Manan Vora, has added his voice to the debate.
“For the food to be delivered in 10, it needs to be cooked in 3 minutes or less,” he explained in a LinkedIn post. “And they can only achieve this with ultra-processed, ready-to-eat meals – pre-cooked, frozen, microwaved, and delivered.”
Mr Vora’s concerns are supported by research, he claims, showing that ultra-processed foods can:
- Increase cancer risk by 12 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 10 per cent.
- Contribute to obesity, which affects 27.8 per cent of Indian adults.
- Cause sugar spikes, heightening the risk of diabetes.
- Contain high levels of trans fats, leading to heart disease.
He urged people to think twice before choosing quick meals. “If you don’t have home-cooked food and need to order in, do so. But wait a little longer for fresh food. Don’t compromise your health,” Mr Vora wrote in his post, ending with a clear message to the industry: “Dear Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto: We don’t want ultra-processed garbage delivered in 10 minutes!”
The message was in agreement with an Economic Times article titled “Say No to 10-Minute Food Delivery.” The post quickly went viral, with many agreeing that the trend could be harmful.
A user commented, “Absolutely agree. While 10-minute delivery sounds convenient, it’s at the cost of our health. Ultra-processed meals are a quick fix but come with serious long-term health risks. We need to prioritize fresh, nutritious food, even if it means waiting a bit longer. Let’s choose health over convenience.”
Another wrote, “I 100 per cent agree. The 10-minute delivery will show its effect in 10 years with an increase in chronic health issues.”