Rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures have significantly reduced food consumption among Pakistani households, with official data showing a decline in nearly all staple food items over the past five years—except tomatoes.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, a clear decrease in per capita food consumption was recorded between 2018–19 and 2024–25.

The decline affected almost all major food items, reflecting how inflation and economic pressures have reshaped household diets.

Wheat, rice and pulses

The per capita monthly consumption of wheat and flour dropped from 7kg to around 6.6kg over five years. Rice consumption declined from 1.06kg to about 0.86kg, while pulses fell sharply from 0.35kg to 0.26kg, highlighting reduced intake of key staples.

Milk consumption decreased from around 6.8–6.85 liters to 6.15 liters per month per person. The use of edible and cooking oil also dropped from 0.32 liters to 0.28 liters.

Meat consumption drops

Per capita mutton consumption declined from 0.06kg to 0.05kg, while beef consumption fell sharply from 0.19kg to 0.11kg. Chicken consumption showed a slight decrease, moving from 0.36 kg to around 0.34 kg, according to survey records.

The average number of eggs consumed monthly fell from 3.04 to around 2.83–2.88. Potato consumption declined from 1.27kg to 1.17kg, onion consumption dropped from 0.95kg to 0.85kg, and sugar intake decreased from 1.28kg to 1.22kg.

Tomatoes remain only exception

Tomatoes were the only food item whose consumption increased during the period. Per capita monthly tomato intake rose significantly, from about 0.41–0.51kg to as high as 0.59–0.95kg, according to different survey readings.

Per capita monthly tea consumption was recorded at around 86–87 grammes, showing a noticeable decline compared to earlier years.

Income rises but expenses grow faster

The Household Integrated Economic Survey revealed that average incomes increased by 97% over the past five years. However, household expenses surged by 113% between 2019 and 2025, outpacing income growth.

The survey found that the average monthly household income stands at Rs82,000, while average expenses have reached Rs79,000. The highest spending was recorded on food, health, furnishings, household appliances, and goods and services.

Housing ownership declines, renting increases

Due to population growth, the rate of privately owned houses fell to a record low. Homeownership declined from 84% in 2018–19 to 82% in 2024–25, while the number of people living in rented houses rose from 10% to 10.5%.

Increased use of clean fuels

The survey recorded a rise in the use of clean fuels such as natural gas, LPG, biogas, and solar energy for cooking and lighting. Usage increased from 35% to 38% nationwide over five years.

The share of people using hand pumps for water declined from 24% to 22%, while tap water usage increased from 18% to 22%.

Use of filtered water also rose slightly from 9% to 10%, though 7% of the population still lacks basic sanitation facilities, including latrines.

TikTok emerges as major income source

The survey identified TikTok as the leading digital income platform for Pakistanis. Around 88% of people using digital platforms earn through TikTok, while 86% of vloggers operate YouTube channels, reflecting a shift toward online livelihoods.

Experts say the data presents a complex picture: rising incomes but faster-growing expenses, shrinking food consumption, and changing lifestyle patterns.

The continued decline in food intake underscores the impact of inflation on household welfare across Pakistan.