"Please Cook..." - CEO’s Advice Amid Swiggy, Zomato, and Quick Delivery War

Health over convenience: In the battle of convenience, where platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and newer entrants like Zepto are racing to deliver food faster than ever, a Mumbai-based CEO has a critical message for both consumers and the food industry: "Please cook."

Shantanu Deshpande, Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, recently sparked a conversation about India’s growing junk food epidemic in a LinkedIn post, urging a shift away from processed, unhealthy food deliveries and advocating for home-cooked meals.

His statement comes as the quick-commerce food sector sees explosive growth, driven by the appeal of instant gratification and the lure of effortless meals. But as Deshpande points out, this convenience may come at a hefty price for public health.

A health crisis in the making

Deshpande didn’t mince words when describing the situation. According to him, India is facing what he believes is the “biggest epidemic” of poor nutrition, a crisis exacerbated by the rise of fast food delivery platforms offering processed meals that are often packed with palm oil, sugar, and unhealthy preservatives.

Describing the food delivery industry’s practices, he said, “Frozen purees, reheated curries, and old vegetables dressed up with coriander are rushed to your doorstep by riders who speed through traffic to deliver it in 10 minutes because you couldn’t wait another 15 minutes or felt too lazy to cook a simple meal at home.”

Deshpande shared his shock after hearing about the incredibly short preparation and delivery times employed by some quick-commerce food companies: “Cook time: 2 minutes. Delivery time: 8 minutes. I lost my mind when I heard that from a ‘qcom for food’ founder.” These alarming numbers, according to him, raise red flags about the quality of food being delivered and its potential impact on consumer health.

The dangerous path of junk food addiction

Deshpande went on to warn that India’s growing addiction to cheap and convenient fast food could lead the country down a similar path as the US and China, without the necessary economic infrastructure to support the resulting health challenges.

“Our junk food addiction, fueled by Rs 49 pizzas, Rs 20 energy drinks, and Rs 30 burgers, is leading us towards a public health disaster,” he cautioned.

He urged companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto to reconsider their offerings and make them more nutritious. Deshpande is particularly concerned with the long-term effects of such fast food habits, which could contribute to a rise in lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions, especially among the younger population.

A call for change

While Deshpande recognises the appeal of quick delivery services, he stressed the importance of a balanced approach. “If speed is the focus, the food has to be worth eating,” he said, adding that investors and founders need to prioritise food quality alongside convenience. Deshpande also directed his advice to regulators, asking them to closely monitor the food delivery sector to prevent further deterioration in food quality.

Beyond the corporate sphere, Deshpande sent a direct message to the public: “Please cook. It’s a basic adult skill. No one is too busy to take 10 minutes to prepare a decent meal like dal chawal, a smoothie, salad, or sandwich.” He stressed that cooking at home not only ensures better food quality but also promotes healthier eating habits in the long run.

Public reaction: A growing discontent

Deshpande’s candid post resonated widely on social media, where many users expressed agreement with his views. Some even went so far as to delete food delivery apps from their phones, opting to return to cooking at home as a means of regaining control over their health.

One user commented, “We’ve all been misled by convenience. My grandmother used to say, ‘Jaldi ka kaam shaitan ka hota hai,’ and I couldn’t agree more. Convenience food equals bad health.”

Another user also weighed in, proposing that the government set up a regulatory authority under the Ministry of Health to monitor the quality of food being delivered through these platforms.

He argued, “Quick delivery isn’t the issue; it’s the compromised food quality. If the industry is going to pursue speed, it needs to ensure that the food is properly prepared and safe to eat.”