#668
Context: Truth be told, I never bothered to check labels, until I went shopping, a few times, with my son-in-law, Eshwar. Then life changed. (Knowing -Doing Gap- I knew things, but never did; the symbol of Mediocre people!).
Introduction
Imagine picking up a pack of your favorite snack, believing it’s healthy because the label says so, only to find out it’s loaded with sugar or harmful additives. This is the reality Revant Himatsingka, known as Food Pharmer, is fighting against. A former corporate professional with an MBA from Wharton, Revant left a high-paying job in the US to educate people about the truth behind packaged foods. His mission? To make us rethink what we eat and question the misleading claims of big food companies.
Who is Revant Himatsingka?
Revant Himatsingka, popularly called Food Pharmer, is a certified health coach from Kolkata who has taken social media by storm. His journey began with a viral video in 2023, where he exposed the high sugar content in a popular children’s health drink. That video, which reached over 12 million people, sparked a movement and even led to regulatory changes! Despite facing legal notices from giant food companies, Revant continues to call out misleading labels and unhealthy ingredients with a mix of humor and hard-hitting facts.
His nickname, Food Pharmer, is a clever blend of “food” and “pharma,” reflecting his belief that food is medicine. With over 2.8 million Instagram followers and 1 million YouTube subscribers, he’s become a trusted voice for millions, encouraging everyone to read food labels carefully before buying anything.
His Crusade Against Misleading Food Practices
Revant’s work focuses on exposing the tricks food companies use to make their products seem healthy. He’s taken on global giants, pointing out issues like:
High sugar content in products marketed as “healthy,” like energy drinks and children’s snacks.
Misleading labels that claim “no added sugar” or “natural” but hide harmful additives. Badam milk is badam flavored essence. So called Cashew Biscuit is .001% Cashew in Maida baked rubbish.
Unhealthy ingredients like palm oil, artificial colors, and refined flour in everyday foods like bread and chips.
His videos are simple yet powerful. He breaks down ingredient lists, explains what they mean, and shows why many packaged foods aren’t as good for us as we think. For example, he’s highlighted how some products use green packaging to seem “natural” when they’re anything but. His efforts have led to real change—some companies have reduced sugar in their products, and others have been forced to drop false “health drink” claims.
The ‘Label Padhega India’ Movement
One of Revant’s biggest contributions is his “Label Padhega India” campaign, which encourages everyone to check food labels before buying. He believes that if we all start reading labels, companies will have no choice but to make healthier products. This movement has been supported by celebrities, doctors, and even schools, where “Sugar Boards” are now used to teach kids about the risks of too much sugar. Revant’s goal is to make health literacy a part of every school’s curriculum, just like math or science.
Food Pharmer 2.0: From Awareness to Action
Revant isn’t just pointing out problems—he’s offering solutions. In 2025, he launched his own brand, Only What’s Needed (OWN), to create clean-label foods with simple, healthy ingredients. His first product, whey protein, was co-created with input from his followers, ensuring it’s free of unnecessary additives. He’s also introduced a “Food Pharmer Approved” certification to highlight authentic, healthy products, from packaged foods to restaurants.
Unlike most companies that spend heavily on ads, Revant cuts marketing costs to keep his products affordable. His dream is to build the world’s most transparent food company, where every ingredient is clearly explained, and consumers can trust what they’re buying.
Challenges and Courage
Revant’s journey hasn’t been easy. He’s faced multiple lawsuits from big food companies trying to silence him. After his viral video, one company forced him to take it down and issue an apology, but the public’s support kept him going. He’s also dealt with personal struggles, like burning through his savings and facing family pressure to get a “proper job.” Despite this, Revant remains committed, saying, “I’m fine making mistakes, but I don’t want to regret not trying hard enough.”
Why Food Pharmer Matters
Revant’s work is a wake-up call for all of us. In a world where packaged foods dominate our diets, his message is clear: don’t trust the front of the pack—read the back. His humor and relatable style make complex nutrition facts easy to understand, empowering us to make better choices. He’s not just an influencer; he’s a changemaker who’s inspiring a healthier future.
Other Indian Consumer Advocates
Revant isn’t alone in standing up for Indian consumers. Here are a few others making a difference:
Pushpa Girimaji: A veteran consumer rights journalist who has been writing about consumer issues for decades, helping people understand their rights and fight unfair practices.
Bejon Misra: Founder of the Consumer Voice Foundation, he works to protect consumers from unsafe products and misleading ads through advocacy and awareness.
Nidhi Khare: As a senior official in the Consumer Affairs Ministry, she pushes for stronger regulations to ensure fair practices in the food and beverage industry.
Revant Himatsingka, the Food Pharmer, is proof that one person can make a big impact. By exposing the truth about packaged foods and starting a movement for health literacy, he’s helping us take control of our health. His courage to stand up to powerful companies and his commitment to offering healthier alternatives make him a true hero for our times. So, next time you pick up a snack, remember Revant’s advice: read the label, know what’s inside, and choose wisely.
Would you do?
Karthik
5/6/25 930am.
No comments:
Post a Comment