GAIN Working Paper n°66: CULTURALLY RELEVANT STREET FOOD INNOVATION

PILOTING AIR-FRIED SNACKS TO REDUCE UNHEALTHY FOOD CONSUMPTION IN JAKARTA, INDONESIA

- 02/04/2026

In Indonesia, over 98% of households have food budgets sufficient to purchase a healthy diet, yet most allocate a substantial share of their spending to discretionary foods such as fried snacks and sugary drinks. The challenge is therefore not one of financial access to healthy food, but of how existing food budgets are allocated. This paper documents a proof-of-concept pilot in Jakarta that tested whether Indonesia's ubiquitous deep-fried street snacks, gorengan, could be transformed into healthier air-fried alternatives, examining both consumer acceptance and business model viability.
Nutritious Fruit Bars Initiative: A scalable business model for affordable nutrition, reduced food waste, and job creation in Pakistan

Nutritious Fruit Bars Initiative: A scalable business model for affordable nutrition, reduced food waste, and job creation in Pakistan

- 30/03/2026

Pakistan produces a wide variety of fruits, yet a significant share is lost due to limited processing capacity, weak value chains, and low value addition. At the same time, many consumers especially children and low-income households lack access to affordable, nutritious snack options. To respond to this challenge, the Nutritious Fruit Bars Initiative was launched in 2024 through a partnership between GAIN, Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI), Pakistan Business Council (PBC), local SMEs, and public-sector stakeholders. The project aimed to convert surplus fruits into nutritious, protein-enriched fruit bars, strengthen local food processors, and demonstrate a sustainable business case that improves nutrition while creating economic opportunities across the value chain.
Two Years of Saving Fruits from Loss to Nourish Pakistan The Himalayan Foods

Two Years of Saving Fruits from Loss to Nourish Pakistan The Himalayan Foods

- 30/03/2026

The Himalayan Foods is a private venture founded by young agriculture graduates from the heart of the Himalayan mountain region. They are driven by a vision to showcase the natural richness of Northern Pakistan through premium, nutritious food products. Rooted in Skardu’s unique agricultural landscape, the company combines traditional knowledge with modern food processing practices to create high-quality, healthy products for an increasingly nutrition-conscious consumer market. Committed to meeting the growing demand for nutritious snacks, The Himalayan Foods produces a range of value-added products including nut-based snack bars under the Himalayan Nut Bar line and organic granola blends marketed as Himalayan Delight. These products are developed using natural and organic ingredients, emphasizing health, wellness, and minimal processing while maintaining international food safety and quality standards. Through its integrated approach linking farmers, sustainable production, and nutrition-focused innovation; The Himalayan Foods represents a new generation of Pakistani SMEs demonstrating how local enterprises can drive economic growth, environmental stewardship, and improved nutrition outcomes simultaneously.
One Nutrition Toolkit

One Nutrition Toolkit

- 30/03/2026

The ONE Nutrition Toolkit brings together practical guidance and training materials to support a systems-based approach to nutrition. It helps practitioners link food systems, human health, and environmental sustainability to drive better diets and stronger communities. It includes a Facilitator’s Guide and Slide Deck designed to support training, learning, and real-world application of the ONE Nutrition approach across diverse contexts.
Advancing Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) through Localisation, and Coordination

Advancing Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) through Localisation, and Coordination

- 25/03/2026

Tanzania has established a strong policy and regulatory framework mandating the fortification of staple foods, including wheat flour, maize flour, edible oils, and salt. Despite this progress, implementation and compliance gaps persist, limiting the public health impact that fortification programmes can achieve Market evidence and engagement with Millers for Nutrition (M4N) highlight that inconsistent compliance and coverage stems from structural barriers within Tanzania’s fortification ecosystem.
Lishe Shuleni Fact Sheet

Lishe Shuleni Fact Sheet

- 25/03/2026

Despite progress in policy development, Tanzania’s school feeding programs still face significant implementation challenges, particularly in delivering nutritionally adequate meals. Although 96% of public primary schools provide meals, these often rely onmonotonous staples like maize and beans, which lack essential micronutrients. As a result, 25% of school-aged children remain stunted, with over one-third experiencing vitamin A deficiency or anemia.
Clean Energy to Nourish a Continent: Unlocking renewable power for Africa’s food systems

Clean Energy to Nourish a Continent: Unlocking renewable power for Africa’s food systems

- 18/03/2026

This white paper was commissioned by Partners in Food Solutions, SNV*, and GAIN and prepared with research, technical, and drafting support from Earth Partners Ltd. The authoring organisations extend their sincere gratitude to the funders, partners, and food processors for their generous contribution in making this research possible. The analysis reflects an independent synthesis of evidence and stakeholder perspectives and should not be interpreted as representing the official views, policies, or positions of the authoring organisations, their governing bodies, partners, or funders.