Transforming Nutrition for India’s Underserved Children

In the heart of India’s rural and tribal regions, where access to nutritious food remains a daily challenge, Shruti Bhatt Mehta has emerged as a beacon of hope and innovation. In July 2023, Shruti founded InstaNutrients India Pvt Ltd with a clear mission: to bridge the nutritional gap for undernourished children and combat the silent crisis of “hidden hunger.” Her journey is a testament to the power of research-driven entrepreneurship, compassion, and relentless perseverance.

From Research to Real-World Impact

Shruti’s academic roots run deep. As a doctoral researcher at CTARA, IIT Bombay, she focused on food-based solutions for micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations. Her groundbreaking work led to the development of a proprietary, plant-based “sprinkler” formulation—a simple yet powerful innovation that delivers essential nutrients without requiring families to change their traditional diets. This product, now patented and exclusively produced by InstaNutrients India Pvt Ltd, has the potential to transform the lives of millions of children across India.

Building a Foundation for Change

The journey from lab to large-scale production was anything but easy. Infrastructure development for the manufacturing unit began in September 2023, and after eight months of tireless effort—including navigating regulatory hurdles and obtaining the crucial FSSAI certification—the facility is now fully operational, with a capacity to produce 3 tons of the sprinkler formulation each month.

Overcoming Challenges: Innovation in Every Step

Creating an all-natural, preservative-free product with a long shelf-life posed significant challenges. Achieving this balance required scientific rigor and innovative thinking. The InstaNutrients sprinkler underwent clinical testing against the top 11 nutritional products in the Indian market, consistently outperforming them in nutritional quality and mineral bioavailability. Ensuring nutrient consistency meant finalizing ingredient types, origins, and procurement processes, all while maintaining low allergen levels and ensuring the absence of heavy metals and chemical residues.

Sensory acceptance was another critical milestone. In collaboration with the Chetna Foundation in Jhaghadia, the product was tested with 68 children and mothers. The results were remarkable—85% of participants preferred khichdi fortified with the sprinkler over plain khichdi, confirming both its palatability and acceptability.

How to Use InstaNutrients Sprinkler

Using the sprinkler is effortless and adaptable to daily routines:

• Add 10g of the sprinkler to any hot cooked meal, milk, or curd.

• A daily intake of 30g is recommended for optimal nutritional benefit.
  This approach ensures families can boost their nutrient intake in the easiest way possible, without altering their cherished food habits.

A Team Driven by Purpose

InstaNutrients India Pvt Ltd boasts a dedicated team of professionals in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Sales & Marketing, and Business Development, guided by experienced senior advisors. Shruti extends heartfelt gratitude to her mentors at IIT Bombay, Prof. Satish B. Agnihotri and Prof. Amit Arora, whose unwavering support and encouragement were instrumental in translating research into real-world impact.

“As a mother of two daughters, I was determined to create a product that not only meets the highest standards of quality and safety but also fits seamlessly into the lives of Indian families. Our mission is to make nutrition accessible, affordable, and effective for every child,”
— Shruti Bhatt Mehta