Jalandhar, Mar 3: The tastes of people in Punjab are fast changing. Once crazy for traditional fried delicacies, they, particularly the younger generation, are yearning for baked food products.

A string of bakery shops have come up in Jalandhar to meet the ever-increasing demand for bakery products. Some of them boast of clients from all over Punjab.

Youngsters find bakery and confectionary products, light and snacky and a preffered way to start the day.

"It is the customer who drives the market for these items. Several cookery books are available in the market on the recipes of bakery products. We read those books and make the products. But, it is the customer's demand, which forces us to make these products. We develop these products keeping the customers' taste in mind," said Jaswant Singh, Managing Director of a confectionery, Jalandhar.

The bakers in the city offer an array of items, which include different types of sandwiches, cakes, pastries, pizzas, kathi rolls and burgers to name a few.

These gourmet delights served in the perfect ambience too are considered healthy and more hygienic.

"I think people are moving away from fried foods. Secondly, bakery products seem more hygienic. So people have a greater fascination and like to go in for more bakery products," said Chopra, a customer.

Gurjot Kaur, another customer said: "The new generation is developing a craze for bakery products, and discussions at school and college campuses too are centred on the best eatouts and favourite bakeries."

The change in eating habits has been the consequence of accelerated consumer lifestyles, increasing numbers of women joining the workforce, the fragmentation of the traditional family structure coupled with increasing health awareness. (ANI)