Decoding India's Knack to Snack!

Some reach for chips. Others grab a yogurt. Still others enjoy chocolate. No matter the treat, one thing’s for certain — we love nibbling so much it’s replacing some of our meals. Our snacks typically consist of carbohydrates such as Bhajiya, Parathas or Poha. Also often many of us grab snacks such as sandwiches or kebabs from roadside vendors without realising that we risk our health due to the unhygienic conditions in which they are prepared.

Snacking is on the rise. Increasing disposable incomes, a need for convenience from fast-paced lifestyles and a cultural tradition of snacking between meals have fuelled explosive growth in this sector. Consumers’ changing dietary habits and willingness to try new things are pushing the boundaries even more. People reach for a snack several times a day as they strive to feel full. Also, often people choose carbs over proteins, meaning they’re not getting the proper nutrients. Studies have indicated that there is a gap in nutritional intake. In such a scenario, nutritious snacking options without compromising on fun becomes of utmost importance.

There is a growing awareness about importance of nutritional intake amongst people, which is driving them to explore a more balanced diet. Traditional meals, in the way we know them, are also shrinking as a behavior. The reality is that what a snack used to be, or what a snack is versus a smaller meal, those lines have become fluid and blurry. Other than health, the most common reason people choose to snack is that they don't have time to prepare meals.

So how does one ensure snacks are nutritious and at the same time the traditional fun is not lost? A good (balanced) diet is the one that supplies nutrition and energy required for development of our body. Amongst all micronutrients, proteins are vital for bodybuilding, energy and other functions that help us perform our daily task efficiently? While vegetarians need to include milk, soya, quinoa or foods under legumes family, which are rich in proteins, for non-vegetarians chicken is the cheapest source of protein.

With minor alterations or additions, one can make the snack plate more wholesome. Today packaged food has also made it convenient for homemakers to enjoy delicious treats at home with little effort. They have become more appealing than prepared foods as they are easy to cook, flavorful as restaurant dish and hygienic.

Here’s how some minor changes or additions to the most popular snacks can make your snacking more nutritious and fun with friends and family:

Popcorn – movie marathons are not fun unless you have some snacking options to go with it. And whatever be your preference, instead of regular popcorn made of corns, chicken popcorn can be a convenient and nutritious snacking option especially amongst the young crowd. When it is served hot with a tangy sauce become the most fun eat snacks. Let the movie marathon begin!
Parathas – Got some chickpeas left over after lunch? Use them to make a stuffed paratha and you can transform your evening snack to power packed protein rich dish. Non-Vegetarian can stuff egg or chicken.
Nuggets - Nuggets are a tasty and enjoyed equally by kids and adults. Replace Bhajiyas with soya or chicken nuggets to make your snack more nutritious and indulge guilt free anytime of the day or night.
Kebabs – who doesn’t love kebabs? And it’s often served as a favorite snack with your favorite beverages or as even starters before a meal. Be it chicken or vegetarian, kebabs are one dish, which gives a huge scope to experiment with tastes and make the snack fun and interesting to eat.
Pizza – Pizzas are a favorite for many people, but adding some cottage cheese or Chicken to the pizza not only ups the taste but also adds nutrition to your meal.
Sausages & Salami – Cold cuts are popularly taking the place of fast foods and other fried foods, as it is easy to cook and can be munched with breads and buns. Include them in your breakfast and you can a power start to your day. Today even vegetarian sausages are available (mock meats made out of soya).

Snacks are very enticing and with changing lifestyles with more meetings, leisure, parties and celebrations, the snacks are going to be consumed even more and Indians are the biggest consumers of snacks. However, with thoughtful changes or additions it is easy to have healthier options rather than cut down on snacks.

So what are you waiting for, add some protein and let the snacking continue!