Diwali Shopping Takes a Unique Turn
A surprising shopping spree unfolded in Bengaluru during the recent Diwali festivities when a local man spent approximately ₹2 lakh to purchase a 1 kg silver brick through Swiggy Instamart. This unexpected transaction highlights an intriguing trend in consumer behavior, emphasizing the evolving nature of online shopping in India.
According to Swiggy’s year-end order analysis, this extravagant purchase was part of a larger pattern of increased spending on luxury items. During Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations, a significant uptick was noted in gold and silver purchases, amplifying the dependency of consumers on quick-commerce platforms for both common groceries and high-value products.
Background and Trends
With a growing reliance on digital commerce, especially during festive seasons, this incident reflects a broader shift in shopping behavior across the nation. Swiggy reported a remarkable 400% increase in gold purchases compared to the previous year, signifying a deeper inclination towards not only traditional items but also luxury goods.
“Consumers are increasingly using platforms like Swiggy Instamart for both their daily essentials and more opulent items. This year saw a notable surge in high-value orders, demonstrating how online shopping has effectively bridged the gap between affordability and luxury,” a Swiggy spokesperson stated.
High-Spending Consumers Across the Country
Noteworthy Purchase Patterns
The Bengaluru man’s purchase is far from an isolated incident. The report revealed other remarkable transactions, including a tech enthusiast in Hyderabad who spent ₹4.3 lakh on three iPhone 17 units in a single order. In another case, a consumer from Noida splurged ₹2.69 lakh on a variety of gadgets, indicating that high-value purchases are not limited to traditional stores.
In Chennai, another standout order featured an individual who remarkably spent over ₹1 lakh in one year solely on condoms, averaging 228 separate orders. The identity of this buyer remains undisclosed, yet their consistent purchasing behavior emphasizes varied consumer needs.
Record Spending by a Kochi User
The highest spender on Swiggy Instamart for the year came from Kochi, Kerala, who remarkably amassed over ₹22 lakh in shopping. This user’s cart included an astonishing 22 iPhone 17s, 24K gold coins, kitchen appliances like a Philips air fryer, and everyday essentials, affirming the diverse range of products available on the platform.
This level of expenditure highlights how consumers are utilizing Swiggy Instamart for a blend of high-end and mundane shopping needs, efficiently fulfilling both luxury desires and daily necessities.
Popular Products in 2025
Swiggy’s report also uncovered the popularity of various kitchen staples with curry leaves, dahi, and milk leading the charge as repeat order champions. The statistics revealed that curry leaves were ordered 368 times by a dedicated consumer, nearly once for each day of the year.
More impressively, Swiggy reported that customers ordered an average of over four packets of milk every second—accumulating enough to fill more than 26,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools in 2025. This astounding number illustrates the deep-rooted attachment of Indian consumers to dairy products.
Snack Trends and Late-Night Cravings
The trend of late-night snacking was also captured in the report, with masala-flavored chips emerging as the top choice across nine of India’s ten largest cities. This indicates not just a preference for specific snack flavors but also a growing tendency among urban populations to indulge in savory snacks during late hours.
Furthermore, Swiggy analyzed the dairy market, revealing that paneer outperformed cheese significantly in demand. For every ten orders of cheese, about nine involved butter or spreads, showcasing the familiar and traditional taste preferences of Indian households.
Industry Implications
The trends observed by Swiggy suggest a significant transformation in India’s retail landscape, instigated predominantly by digital platforms. The integration of luxurious items such as silver and gold bricks into everyday online shopping signifies a substantial shift in consumer habits.
“This year’s findings encourage retailers to explore digital avenues not only for reaching everyday consumers but also for catering to high-value transactions. The increasing willingness of customers to spend on platforms like Instamart indicates that digital commerce can appeal across income spectrums,” noted an industry analyst.
Future of Online Shopping in India
As online shopping continues to evolve, businesses are expected to pivot towards enhancing their digital presence while ensuring a broad inventory that accommodates both essential goods and luxury items. The reported data from Swiggy has raised questions about how market dynamics will change as more consumers turn to the convenience of online shopping.
Furthermore, the continuous rise of digital payments will likely facilitate such high-ticket purchases in the future, making it easier for consumers to shop without the constraints traditionally associated with physical stores.
Concluding Thoughts on Consumer Behavior
The staggering amounts spent on both luxury items and daily groceries underscore a pivotal change in shopping patterns, prompting discussions on where the future of commerce is headed. As more shoppers adapt to using platforms like Swiggy Instamart, the line between essential and luxury goods is increasingly blurred, shifting the focus to convenience and accessibility.
This fascinating insight into consumer spending paves the way for future studies on marketing strategies that can effectively target diverse consumer segments in an ever-evolving digital market landscape.
In the upcoming weeks, Swiggy plans to release further insights into consumer trends and spending habits, as it aims to culminate its findings into actionable strategies for businesses looking to capitalize on these evolving behaviors.