FSSAI Unveils Authoritative Ayurveda Aahara List to Boost Holistic Nutrition

In a landmark move to bridge India’s ancient food traditions with modern regulatory practices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush, has released a definitive list of Ayurvedic food formulations under the officially recognized category of "Ayurveda Aahara". This development follows the introduction of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022, and marks a significant step forward in standardising traditional dietary practices grounded in Ayurveda, one of the oldest health systems in the world.

The newly published list is expected to enhance consumer trust, empower Food Business Operators (FBOs), and provide momentum to India’s ambitions of promoting preventive healthcare, sustainable diets, and wellness-based nutrition—both domestically and globally.

Authentic Recipes Rooted in Classical Ayurvedic Texts

The released list of Ayurveda Aahara items has been compiled under Note (1) of Schedule B of the Ayurveda Aahara regulations. It includes food products whose recipes, ingredients, and methods have been directly drawn from classical Ayurvedic compendia mentioned in Schedule A, such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya. This ensures that the listed items are not only textually authentic but also grounded in centuries-old nutritional wisdom.

The Ministry of Ayush played a pivotal role in supporting this compilation, with technical input and validation provided by the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, which has acted as the nodal institution for developing the Ayush Aahara Compendium.

Regulated Pathway for Future Additions

To make the regulatory framework future-ready and inclusive, FSSAI has also laid out a mechanism for FBOs to propose additions to the Ayurveda Aahara list. If a Food Business Operator wishes to introduce an Ayurvedic food item not currently included, they may submit a request supported by textual references from any of the authoritative Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A. Upon evaluation and validation, such additions may be officially incorporated and notified through FSSAI advisories.

This structured pathway provides FBOs with clarity and regulatory security, thereby encouraging innovation within traditional boundaries and enabling responsible entrepreneurship in the Ayurvedic food sector.

Ayurveda Aahara: A Fusion of Nutrition, Healing, and Harmony

Ayurveda Aahara refers to food formulations that are designed in alignment with the principles of Ayurveda, which advocate for seasonal eating, dosha balance, use of sattvic ingredients, and personalised nutrition tailored to individual constitution (Prakriti). These foods aim to promote digestion (Agni), strengthen immunity (Ojas), and support mental clarity and emotional balance.

Modern lifestyle disorders, fast food culture, and increasing awareness of preventive health have pushed the public toward natural, holistic diets. Ayurveda Aahara, with its therapeutic benefits, is positioned as a viable answer to these needs, blending ancient science with contemporary health goals.

Voices from Leadership: Government and Academia Speak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the inauguration of World Food India 2023, had championed the integration of Ayurveda with the national food vision. “India’s sustainable food culture is the result of a journey of thousands of years. Our ancestors linked Ayurveda with daily diet. Just as Yoga Day made yoga global, now millets and Ayurveda Aahara will travel to every corner of the world,” he said.

Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush & Health, called on citizens to incorporate Ayurveda Aahara into their daily routines. “These food practices not only nourish the body but also support digestion and immunity. In today’s fast-paced world, Ayurveda Aahara is a gateway to preventive healthcare,” he said, underlining the importance of adopting such diets for a balanced and sustainable lifestyle.

Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, applauded the release of the definitive list as a major milestone. “This initiative aligns India’s traditional knowledge systems with contemporary food regulations. It will bolster industry confidence and reinforce consumer trust in Ayurveda-based diets,” he noted.

Adding to this, Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the National Institute of Ayurveda (Deemed to be University), said that the Ayush Aahara Compendium represents a meticulous decoding of ancient knowledge. “Every formulation has been curated with textual and scientific validation to ensure safety, authenticity, and applicability,” he added.

Facilitating a Cultural and Commercial Renaissance

By formally recognising these Ayurvedic formulations, India is promoting cultural preservation, health promotion, and economic opportunity. The Ayurveda Aahara initiative is likely to give a major push to Ayurveda-based food startups, FMCG brands, organic producers, and agri-entrepreneurs, providing them with a regulatory foundation for growth.

The global wellness food market, which is increasingly gravitating toward natural and traditional food systems, offers a fertile ground for Ayurveda Aahara to make its mark—especially as global demand for millets, herbal infusions, digestive blends, and functional foods continues to rise.

Public Access and Next Steps

The official list of Ayurveda Aahara products is now publicly accessible and can be downloaded via the following FSSAI link. Stakeholders including consumers, researchers, regulators, and food businesses are encouraged to review the document to understand the permitted formulations and their classical sources.

The FSSAI has also committed to issuing timely updates and notifications as new formulations are vetted and added. This dynamic approach will help Ayurveda Aahara evolve while staying true to its roots.

A New Chapter for India’s Nutritional Future

The release of the Ayurveda Aahara list stands at the intersection of health, heritage, and holistic living. With growing public awareness and increasing scientific validation of Ayurvedic principles, this initiative paves the way for a new paradigm in nutritional health, where tradition meets regulation, and well-being becomes accessible, authentic, and sustainable.

As India rises to global leadership in yoga, millets, and traditional medicine, Ayurveda Aahara is poised to become the next chapter in showcasing the power of Indian wisdom on the world stage.