Smart snacking is on the rise among Indians

Aakanksha Mahendra Ahire / TNN / Dec 6, 2024, 15:47 IST

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A recently published report by a consumer intelligence company states that urban Indians are increasingly seeking healthy food products, leading to a rapid growth in smart snacking as compared to traditional snacks. A key reason behind this is consumers�?growing concerns towards rise in lifestyle diseases

Smart snacking is on the rise among Indians

Representative image: iStock

WHAT IS SMART SNACKING

Smart snacking means choosing nutritious, quality foods between meals which are healthy and help sustain energy levels
Smart snacks like nuts, seeds, fruits, and whole grain crackers provide lasting satiety and essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
Smart snacking focuses on nutritional balance and functional benefits to support overall health and well-being
On the contrary, traditional snacking involves consuming chips, sweets, pastries, sugary drinks, and such similar items that have become a common snacking choice in most households

Traditional snacks only provide a quick energy spike. They don’t provide any nutrition to the body. Although affordable, traditional snacks are oily and carbohydrate-rich which only worsen the issue of weight gain. These snacks, when eaten excessively, trigger chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity

Jashan Vij, health and fat loss coach

WHAT THE REPORT STATES

Smart snacking in India has grown 1.2 times faster than traditional snacks
About 63% of surveyed consumers seek innovative and healthy snacking options
50 per cent read ingredient labels to understand the snack’s nutritional value
One in five packaged snacks are now marketed as being healthy in the country
Smaller, emerging players are challenging established players with competitive offerings. The demand for single-serve packs is growing 60% faster in smart snacking
The smart snacking segment’s growth is fuelled by consumption rates twice that of the general snacks market
Sonika Gupta, executive director, customer success–India at NIQ says, “This segment is growing 1.2 times faster than traditional snacks in terms of value, presenting opportunities for brands to innovate in health-focused products and leverage the consumption trend.�?/li>

(Report by consumer intelligence company NielsenIQ (NIQ))

TIPS TO SNACK SMARTLY

Opt for snacks that are rich in vitamins, minerals, protein and healthy fats like nuts, fruits, and whole grains like millets or red rice
Also opt for snacks rich in fibre like oats, chickpeas and seeds. It helps to avoid overeating as fibre makes one feel full for a long time and gives more satisfaction in lesser calories
Aim for a combination of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to keep you full and energised longer
Keep healthy snacks like carrot sticks and hummus or granolas readily available to avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices. Preparing a snack ahead of time makes it easier to stick to smart choices
Make healthier versions of traditional snacks at home with no or less oil/sugar

Smart snacking ensures steady energy and prevents sugar crashes associated with traditional snacking items. Smart snacks help stabilise blood sugar levels, leading to better concentration and mental clarity throughout the day. With mindful portioning, smart snacking also helps curb hunger and reduce overeating at meals, fostering a healthy lifestyle

Shalu Nijhawan, holistic nutritionist

OPT FOR THESE SMART SNACKS

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Greek yoghurt
Whole-grain crackers or rice cakes
Hummus and vegetables or whole grain pita
Hard-boiled eggs
Smoothies
Cottage cheese

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SNACKS

Read labels and check nutrition table along with serving sizes
Choose whole foods such as nuts, seeds and vegetables
Limit processed snacks containing sugary substances, salt or unhealthy fat
Choose calorie-controlled snacks. Aim for a single snack having not more than 100 - 200 calories
Shop the perimeter. Healthy foods are found mostly along the perimeter of the grocery stores �?rarely in the centre of the store

(As suggested by Jashan Vij, health and fat loss coach)

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