The Caloric Costs of Culture: Evidence from Indian Migrants∗

Anthropologists have documented substantial and persistent differences in food preferences across social groups. My paper asks whether such food cultures can constrain caloric intake? I first document that inter-state migrants within India consume fewer calories per Rupee of food expenditure compared to their neighbors. Second, I show that migrants bring their origin-state food preferences with them. Third, I link these findings by showing that the gap in caloric intake between locals and migrants depends on the suitability and intensity of the migrants’ origin-state preferences. The most affected migrants would consume 7 percent more calories if they possessed their neighbors’ preferences. JEL CODES: I10, O10, Z10, D12.