Smart snacking is on the rise among Indians

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

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.”

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

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