Snacking: A Habit That Unites Indians Across Every Region

Snacking is more than just a pastime in India; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends regions and lifestyles. It’s not merely about satisfying hunger-it’s about adding flavor to moments, fueling conversations, celebrating milestones, and sometimes, just surviving endless office hours. Whether it’s a handful of namkeen during chai time or a bowl of something crunchy while binge-watching, snacks are India’s favorite companions. Who doesn’t have that one friend with an enviable stash of goodies, ready to pop open at the first sign of hunger?

Snacking isn’t confined to a particular region-it’s a unifying thread across the country. No matter where you go, munching on something while multitasking is second nature to us. According to a consumer study 72% of Indians admitted to snacking when happy, with both men and women showing similar habits. Moreover, 56% said they snack more when feeling sad, and 40% find that snacking helps them beat boredom and uplift their mood. Clearly, snacking is tied to our emotions as much as our routines.

Consumer study ref : https://godrejyummiez.in/pdf/the_india_snacking_report.pdf

Homes That Smelled of Freshly Made Local Favorites

Remember those weekends when the aroma of freshly fried banana chips or golden-brown chaklis filled the air? Our parents and grandparents would spend hours kneading dough, shaping snacks, and frying them to perfection. Diamond cuts, shakkarpara, murukku-these weren’t just snacks; they were acts of love, carefully stored in steel dabbas and eagerly raided by us after school. These homemade treasures didn’t rely on preservatives or glossy packaging-just pure ingredients, timeless recipes, and a whole lot of heart.

And after a vacation spent at home, those tightly packed boxes of these snacks would find their way into our suitcases, lovingly prepared to remind us of home when we were away.

          

Divided by Flavors, United by the Habit

From north to south and east to west, each region has its signature snack items that reflect its culinary traditions. In the north, snacks are bold and full of spice. Crispy chaklis, sweet shakkarparas, are staples during weddings and festivals like Diwali. Then there’s the obsession with samosas-piping hot, golden triangles filled with spiced potatoes that find their way into every chai party.

Heading south, snacks take on a delightful coconutty charm. Kerala's banana chips, crisped to perfection in coconut oil, are nothing short of legendary. Pair them with a steaming cup of filter coffee, and you’ve discovered snacking bliss. Just when you think you’re done, out come packets of tapioca chips, spicy mixtures, and avalose unda, tempting you for just one more bite. Another beloved classic is murukku-those irresistibly crunchy, coiled treats that disappear faster than you’d expect. And we can’t forget the hidden gem, munthirikothu-a jaggery and pulse-based deep-fried snack that’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive.

In the east, snacks mirror the region’s cultural diversity. West Bengal’s nimki and Odisha’s khaja are delightful examples of how snacks can be both indulgent and ceremonial.

The western states, on the other hand, offer some of the crunchiest treasures, from Gujarat’s farsan to Maharashtra’s diamond cuts and bhel puri-a street-food classic that has earned fans across the nation.

            

Snacking All Along

Indian snacks are part of every memory, whether it’s a quiet evening, a festive celebration, or an adventurous journey. Picture a Sunday afternoon with a round of cards, tea on the side, and bowls of namkeen being passed around. Or a train journey where packets of achappam, mixture, and thattai are shared among friends and family. Taking a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive on a Friday evening, a cone of Bhel Puri in hand, lost in your own thoughts, is the perfect way to unwind and savor the day’s end.

Even during the pandemic, when fun seemed to take a backseat, snacks became our companions in isolation. From experimenting with dalgona coffee to rediscovering homemade treats, snacking kept us going. Whether it’s a happy moment, a tough phase, or just the monotony of daily life, snacks have always been there.

Healthier Snacking Habits

While snacks bring joy, overindulging in processed or fried options can lead to health issues. Constant snacking can result in weight gain, high cholesterol, and even diabetes. Foods high in salt and sugar may increase the risk of hypertension and heart problems. With work-from-home culture intensifying snacking habits, it’s essential to strike a balance.

Interestingly, a global study by Wonderful Pistachios found that urban Indian consumers are prioritizing nutrition over taste in snacks. Nine out of ten consumers are now searching for protein-rich options, showcasing a shift toward mindful eating. This changing trend in snacking habits opens doors for healthier experimentation without compromising on taste.

Traditional, homemade snacks are making a comeback, thanks to brands like Tocco, which deliver regional favorites like Kerala banana chips, diamond cuts, murukku, and shakkarpara to your doorstep. These preservative-free healthy snacks bring the nostalgia of our childhood, ensuring that wherever you are, a slice of home is just a bite away.