New Delhi: Snacking has transformed over the years, Indian consumers are launching their snacks from options based on nutrition, quality of ingredients and health claims- Farmley Healthy Snacking Report 2026. Around 86 percent of respondents said protein mattered to them while choosing their snacks, and sweetened with natural ingredients such as dates or jaggery at 61 percent over refined sugar.
The findings suggest that snacking habits are moving beyond taste and convenience, with consumers paying greater attention to protein content, clean labels and the type of ingredients used in packaged foods.
Protein becomes a key priority
Protein has become one of the most important factors influencing snack purchases in India. The report indicates that consumers increasingly view snacks as an opportunity to add nutrition to their daily diets rather than simply satisfy hunger or cravings.
Protein-rich snacks may include:
- Nuts and seeds.
- Roasted pulses.
- Protein bars.
- Makhana.
- Yogurt-based products.
- Chana and other legumes.
- Nut butters.
- High-protein savoury snacks.
- Dairy and plant-based protein products.
The shift is being driven by growing awareness of fitness, muscle health, weight management and the importance of balanced nutrition.
Demand extends beyond fitness audiences
Until recently, protein based items were used mainly by sportsmen, bodybuilders and the gym fraternity. The current consumer trend sees protein entering the equation to a much wider audience.
Office workers, parents, students, older adults and consumers trying to lose weight also want convenient snacks with more nutritional value. This has prompted food firms to launch products blending staple Indian flavours with high-protein foods.
This trend further signifies an increased interest in healthier options as substitutes for biscuits, fried snacks and highly processed packaged foods.
Natural sweeteners gain popularity
According to the survey, 61% of respondents had a preference for snacks sweetened with natural ingredients like dates and jaggery as opposed to snacks containing refined sugar.
Renewable natural resources and living organisms also contribute to the growing trend that is towards natural labels and recognisable ingredients. The act of checking for excessive sugar, artificial (and natural) flavours, preservatives or unidentifiable additives is becoming common practice amongst consumers pre-purchase.
Natural sweetening ingredients commonly used in Indian products include:
- Dates and date paste.
- Jaggery.
- Honey.
- Coconut sugar.
- Fruit concentrates.
- Raisins.
- Stevia and other plant-based sweeteners.
However, natural does not always mean calorie-free or suitable for unlimited consumption. Jaggery, dates and honey still contain sugars, so portion size remains important, particularly for people with diabetes or those monitoring their calorie intake.
Clean labels influence buying decisions
Ingredient transparency is becoming a major consideration for Indian consumers. According to the report, shoppers want to understand what is included in a product and are increasingly sceptical of vague health claims.
A clean-label product is generally expected to have:
- Simple and familiar ingredients.
- Clear nutritional information.
- Limited artificial additives.
- Lower dependence on refined sugar.
- Easily understandable product claims.
- Transparent sourcing or manufacturing information.
Consumers are also becoming more interested in the difference between marketing language and actual nutritional value. A snack labelled “natural,” “high-protein” or “healthy” may still contain significant sugar, salt or calories, making label reading essential.
Willingness to pay a premium
The survey discovered that around one-third of respondents had been open to paying extra for snacks high in protein.
As food companies tap into this willingness, there is an opportunity to deliver new premium products that contain better ingredients with enhanced nutrition profiles and convenient formats. It also suggests that some consumers are willing to pay more when they feel a snack is in service of health, fitness or long-term wellbeing.
Meanwhile price continues to represent another major obstacle. Premium protein products may be unaffordable for most homes — especially if it relies on imported ingredients or unique formulations.
Traditional foods return to the spotlight
Trandition food demand for protein, natural sweeteners is also enticing brands to re-examine Indian foods. Similarly dry fruits or roasted chana, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, sesame, lentils, millet and makhana rests on the close spectrum of flavours while providing a nutritious alternative to snack.
Energy bars, Nut clusters and Ladoos and other snack products are gelling with Dates & Jaggery as the sweetening ingredients. It enables companies to take traditional whole ingredients and wrap them in modern packages and portion-controlled formats.
This trend may open some doors for farmers, regional food producers and small businesses who are utilising indigenous crops and minimally processed ingredients.
Nuts remain popular
Nuts have gained a significant share of the healthy-snacking trend. Another study also conducted among Indian urban shoppers suggests that 86% of them have bought nuts in six months.
The nuts are a great alternative for snacking – they have convenience, portability and other traits because nuts naturally contain protein in a healthy fats form along with plenty of fibers, vitamin E and much more. They can be eaten on their own or added to yoghurt, salads, breakfast bowls and DIY snack mixes.
Of course, consumers still need to watch portion size and the method of preparation. Unsalted or lightly salted nuts are a better choice from the stand point that those products which contain excess sodium, sugar or fat/ oil-based coatings,
Plant-based protein grows
Plant-based protein is gaining acceptance among Indian consumers. A related global study found that 69% of urban Indian respondents considered plant-based protein comparable to meat-based protein, higher than the reported global average of 55%.
This perception may benefit products made from:
- Pulses.
- Soy.
- Peas.
- Chickpeas.
- Peanuts.
- Seeds.
- Millets.
- Plant-based protein blends.
India’s traditional diet already includes several plant-protein sources, but modern products are making them more convenient for consumers seeking ready-to-eat or portable options.
Nutrition competes with taste
The latest report indicates a shift moving away from the notion nutrition needs to be sacrificed for taste. More than ever consumers expect healthy snacks to confer nutritional benefits alongside enjoyable flavours.
Which is encouraging brands to come up with products that will either reduce sugar, artificial elements and still doesn’t end up bland or unappetizing. Common strategies include using spices, roasted textures, fruit and cocoa, nuts up (and Indian flavour combinations.
The difficulty for many manufacturers is to create something with real nutritional value that still tastes great and has the point of convenience necessary to encourage repeat buying.
Implications for food companies
The findings are likely to influence product development across India’s packaged-food and fast-moving consumer goods industry. Companies may focus on formulations that contain more protein, less refined sugar and easily recognisable ingredients.
Likely areas of innovation include:
- High-protein breakfast and snack bars.
- Protein-rich namkeen alternatives.
- Date- and jaggery-sweetened products.
- Portion-controlled nut mixes.
- Millet- and pulse-based snacks.
- Functional foods for active consumers.
- Low-sugar beverages.
- Plant-based protein products.
Brands will also need to communicate nutritional information clearly and avoid exaggerated claims that may reduce consumer trust.
Consumers should read labels carefully
Despite the positive shift in consumer awareness, health claims require careful evaluation. A product can contain protein and natural sweeteners while still being high in calories, saturated fat or sodium.
Consumers should compare:
- Protein per serving.
- Total sugar and added sugar.
- Serving size.
- Fibre content.
- Sodium levels.
- Type of fat used.
- Ingredient order.
- Total calorie content.
- Artificial additives and preservatives.
It is also important to distinguish between a snack that contains some protein and one that provides a meaningful amount as part of a balanced diet.
Natural sweeteners are not automatically healthier
The choosing of dates and jaggery signifies a wish to prevent some precision refined aspects but these sweeteners really should not be viewed as endless substitutes for sugar. Dates, jaggery and honey can still play a substantial role to overall sugar intake till now.
Diabetes, insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders: Individuals with diabetes or at risk for insulin resistance (impair glycemic control), should talk to their physician before making any drastic dietary changes. It is not the label of “natural” that makes a difference but rather the overall diet, portion size and total carbohydrate consumption.
A changing snacking culture
This is a well-crafted way that Indian consumers are being cautiously selective on what they consume in the period between meals. The factors of protein, clean ingredients, natural sweeteners and transparency are headed towards the center of purchase decisions.
It is also further implied that the trend will not stop there with more and more consumers being knowledge institutions guided by fitness platforms, health professionals, social-media and product-label enlightenment. This also provides a medium for food firms to amalgamate India’s traditional ingredients with formats that are more contemporary and nutrition shaped.
The bottom line for shoppers is that the pragmatic choice is to eat fresh, whole foods whenever they are available, eat a balance of protein sources and treat natural sweeteners as an adjunct to sugar-not an excuse to abandon portion control.