Trends are always changing. Be it fashion, style, sports, entertainment, or any domain. Every minute, something new is happening around the world, and it changes the consumers’ behaviour and their choices. Food scenes are no different. In the ever-evolving culinary world, what people eat, cook, and order defines the trends in the field. The annual Healthy Snacking Report 2025 by Farmley was recently unveiled at the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit. Offering a deep dive into India’s evolving snacking habits, the findings reveal that Indians are moving towards mindful snacking rather than following their cravings.
Can you guess the ingredient that has emerged as a part of the trend consecutively in the second year? It’s India’s favourite makhana, a superfood that has been emerging as a winner in the snacking game, year after year. Fox nuts, also called black diamonds, are considered a good source of fibre, protein, and antioxidants. The report calls it the ‘undisputed hero of snacking.’
Makhana: The Ultimate Snacking Partner Of Indians
According to the Healthy Snacking Report 2025, 65% of the respondents actively include it as a superfood in their Indian diet. “Makhana is more than just a trendy snack; it has become a staple in modern diets,” read the report. It is the go-to format for nearly 38% of respondents when it comes to savoury snacks.
People see it as a functional snack and a wellness staple, and why not? Do you remember your mother and grandmother using it to prepare namkeen at home? You might not have liked it as a kid, but as a millennial in their 30s, you are understanding the importance of incorporating it into your diet. The report also signals how the popularity of fox nuts is just another example of bridging the gap between tradition and a modern, health-conscious approach to snacking.
“Makhana is not just winning the snack batter, it is setting the gold standard for what modern consumers expect from their snack: authenticity, health, and trustworthiness,” reads an excerpt in the report.
Image Credit: Healthy Snacking Report
Other Highlights Of The Healthy Snacking Report 2025
Apart from unveiling India’s favourite snacking partner, the report also showcased other trends. It revealed the approach people have while buying snacks, and what they are constantly looking for. A few more highlights from the report include,
- 94% of taste leads want their snacks to be nutritious but delicious, too.
- 84% of respondents confessed to munching on packaged snacks multiple times a week.
- 72% of foodies are looking for healthier alternatives to the existing snacks.
- 65% of the respondents buy snacks on an impulse.
Among the respondents, 43% of Gen Zs and millennials prefer ordering quick packaged snacks compared to 28% Gen X and boomers. The report also showcased that Gen Zs prefer influencer content, even when it comes to recommendations for snacks. However, when they purchase the snack, they want to know the story behind it, whether it is nutritious (as much as it claims to be), and how it can benefit them. It clearly points out that the youth is concerned about how snacks are not just empty calories, but also look for functional benefits. There is a clear shift from snacking as indulgence to a more mindful and wellness-oriented practice.
Image Credit: Healthy Snacking Report