For those running a household, managing food and grocery bills September 3 came with a news of relief, as the GST Council rolled out sweeping tax cuts on everyday food items. Approved by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, the new structure reduced or removed GST on several daily food items as a part of announcement of GST 2.0.
What's cheaper in the home kitchen after GST 2.0?
As per reports, ultra-High Temperature (UHT) milk, paneer, pizza bread, rotis and khakhras will now attract zero tax, down from 5%. Parathas and parottas, which earlier drew 18%, also moved to the nil bracket.
It is also reported that key dairy items such as butter, ghee, and cheese have seen GST drop from 12% to 5%. Condensed milk and an array of packaged foods including jams, sauces, pickles, and fruit juices will also cost less.
Dry fruits and nuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios and dates, shift to the 5% slab from 12%, while biscuits, cakes, chocolates, cornflakes, soups and ice cream now draw 5% instead of 18%.
| Items | Old GST Rate | New GST Rate |
| UHT milk | 5% | Nil |
| Packaged paneer | 5% | Nil |
| Pizza bread | 5% | Nil |
| Roti/khakhra/chapati | 5% | Nil |
| Paratha/parotta | 18% | Nil |
| Butter, ghee, dairy products | 12% | 5% |
| Cheese | 12% | 5% |
| Condensed milk | 12% | 5% |
| Dry fruits and nuts | 12% | 5% |
| Biscuits, cakes, pastries | 18% | 5% |
| Chocolate and cocoa products | 18% | 5% |
| Cornflakes and cereal products | 18% | 5% |
| James, sauces, pickles | 12-18% | 5% |
| Soups and broths | 18% | 5% |
| Ice cream | 18% | 5% |
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