Work

Does Alcohol Prohibition Improve Caloric and Macronutrient Intake From Healthy Food Sources? Evidence From Bihar, India

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT We examine the impact of a recent state‐led alcohol prohibition policy on caloric and macronutrient intake from healthy food sources in Bihar, India. We exploit an exogenous statewide ban on the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol implemented in 2016. Using data from two rounds of a nationally representative cross‐sectional survey conducted before and after the ban and employing a propensity score matching difference‐in‐differences framework, we find that alcohol prohibition led to significant increases in caloric, protein, and fat intake from healthy food sources. The policy was also associated with a decline in fat intake from unhealthy food sources. These findings are robust across a range of specifications and estimation strategies. Heterogeneity analysis reveals stronger effects among urban households, wealthier cohorts, and marginalized castes. The observed changes are likely driven by healthy behavioral spillovers, reduced marital conflicts, higher household earnings, income effects from the reallocation of resources previously spent on alcohol, and increased household spending on healthy food items such as pulses, dairy products, and healthy oils.

Source: Agricultural Economics

DOI: 10.1111/agec.70090

Authors: Vinayak Krishnatri, Sukumar Vellakkal

Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Language: English

Topic: Economics of Agriculture and Food Markets

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Royal Economic Society, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur