Indians want quick bites that are clean-label and protein-rich
The India Healthy Snacking Summit 2026 showcased protein-rich snacks, clean-label products and functional drinks. The shift shows Indian consumers, especially younger urban buyers, are placing greater weight on nutrition and clear ingredient information.
India's snacking game is entering a new phase and somewhere between the samosa and the granola bar, India's snacking habits are quietly changing. Young adults are focussing on nutrition first and they're reading the fine print to get there.
A study released at the recently held India Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) 2026, has highlighted how the growing demand for clean-label products, transparent ingredient information and healthier alternatives across age groups is rising.
The summit hosted big Indian brands from Veeba and Sleepy Owl to upcoming brands such as Juno, Indian Snack House, Yodley and Pop Oye. Products focussed on probiotic and gut-health functionality, protein enrichment, and a demand for cleaner and transparent ingredient labels.
"The future of snacking in India is being shaped by consumers who are making far more intentional choices than ever before. They are seeking snacks that offer functionality, transparency and convenience, while also catering to the evolving taste profiles," said Akash Sharma, Co-Founder of Farmley.
PROTEIN GOES MAINSTREAM
Protein has moved from a fitness-focused claim to a mainstream one. Demand for protein-rich supplements has led to a fast-growing protein snacks market.
According to the report, 86 per cent of respondents consider protein important while choosing snacks, while nearly one-third (32 per cent) said they are willing to pay a premium for protein-rich products, highlighting the growing influence of nutrition on buying decisions.
In India, the trend is reflected in the growing popularity of protein-rich foods such as makhana, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, muesli and granola. At the event, Dr. Morepen, the health and wellness brand of Morepen Laboratories, showcased its range of protein-rich peanut butter, granola and beverages. It also highlighted its multi-seed peanut butter as a richer source of protein.
Pulse-based proteins from peas, lentils and chickpeas are also gaining ground for their nutrition profile and sustainability credentials.
RISE OF CLEAN LABELS
A defining trend isn't a new ingredient – it's transparency. Shoppers increasingly expect short, recognisable ingredient lists. The report found that 62 per cent of respondents consider clear information about ingredients the most important factor while selecting a snack brand.
That shift is reshaping how snacks are formulated, not just marketed, as manufacturers work to deliver clean-label credentials without compromising taste or texture.
In fact, Farmley has also positioned itself around from the outset, built on a farm-to-palm model with in-house production and focus on R&D.
GUT HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL DRINKS
Probiotics are no longer confined to yogurt cups. Functional beverages are the fastest-growing segment within the gut-health space. The summit hosted multiple brands that are entering the market with probiotic health drinks.
Founder of Pop Oye, India's first zero-sugar, probiotic soda Nikkhil Gaurr said that he started selling Kanji at his caf but noticed how the younger generation love carbonated drinks more and this led him to start this brand. “I started this brand 3 months ago and has already sold over a lakh bottles”, he said.
Consumers are now choosing functional beverages not as premium products but as an everyday convenience, particularly among younger, urban consumers.
India's snacking game is entering a new phase and somewhere between the samosa and the granola bar, India's snacking habits are quietly changing. Young adults are focussing on nutrition first and they're reading the fine print to get there.
A study released at the recently held India Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) 2026, has highlighted how the growing demand for clean-label products, transparent ingredient information and healthier alternatives across age groups is rising.
The summit hosted big Indian brands from Veeba and Sleepy Owl to upcoming brands such as Juno, Indian Snack House, Yodley and Pop Oye. Products focussed on probiotic and gut-health functionality, protein enrichment, and a demand for cleaner and transparent ingredient labels.
"The future of snacking in India is being shaped by consumers who are making far more intentional choices than ever before. They are seeking snacks that offer functionality, transparency and convenience, while also catering to the evolving taste profiles," said Akash Sharma, Co-Founder of Farmley.
PROTEIN GOES MAINSTREAM
Protein has moved from a fitness-focused claim to a mainstream one. Demand for protein-rich supplements has led to a fast-growing protein snacks market.
According to the report, 86 per cent of respondents consider protein important while choosing snacks, while nearly one-third (32 per cent) said they are willing to pay a premium for protein-rich products, highlighting the growing influence of nutrition on buying decisions.
In India, the trend is reflected in the growing popularity of protein-rich foods such as makhana, nuts, seeds, peanut butter, muesli and granola. At the event, Dr. Morepen, the health and wellness brand of Morepen Laboratories, showcased its range of protein-rich peanut butter, granola and beverages. It also highlighted its multi-seed peanut butter as a richer source of protein.
Pulse-based proteins from peas, lentils and chickpeas are also gaining ground for their nutrition profile and sustainability credentials.
RISE OF CLEAN LABELS
A defining trend isn't a new ingredient – it's transparency. Shoppers increasingly expect short, recognisable ingredient lists. The report found that 62 per cent of respondents consider clear information about ingredients the most important factor while selecting a snack brand.
That shift is reshaping how snacks are formulated, not just marketed, as manufacturers work to deliver clean-label credentials without compromising taste or texture.
In fact, Farmley has also positioned itself around from the outset, built on a farm-to-palm model with in-house production and focus on R&D.
GUT HEALTH AND FUNCTIONAL DRINKS
Probiotics are no longer confined to yogurt cups. Functional beverages are the fastest-growing segment within the gut-health space. The summit hosted multiple brands that are entering the market with probiotic health drinks.
Founder of Pop Oye, India's first zero-sugar, probiotic soda Nikkhil Gaurr said that he started selling Kanji at his caf but noticed how the younger generation love carbonated drinks more and this led him to start this brand. “I started this brand 3 months ago and has already sold over a lakh bottles”, he said.
Consumers are now choosing functional beverages not as premium products but as an everyday convenience, particularly among younger, urban consumers.
