Amid the joyous celebration of Diwali in India, a transformative shift is taking place in the way gifts are exchanged. Over the years, more and more people are choosing health-conscious options over traditional sweets and snacks.
What’s driving this change? It’s a growing awareness of the health impacts of less nutritious foods and a renewed focus on wellness, especially after the pandemic. Innovative packaging and the use of naturally long-lasting ingredients are also playing a role.
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In India, every festival is celebrated with great pomp and joy, with none more significant than Diwali, the festival of lights. The festivities extend for nearly a week, and various rituals are observed to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Delicious mithais and snacks are prepared in homes, and the spirit of happiness is simply infectious.
Diwali also involves people visiting the homes of friends and family, bearing gifts. Whether it’s attractively packaged mithai boxes or fruit hampers, people never visit their loved ones’ homes empty-handed during this auspicious occasion.
A noticeable trend towards health-conscious products and the health and fitness industry as a whole has emerged in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 endemic. People are well aware of the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid future health-related concerns.
According to a report by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the healthy snacking market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 20% between 2020 and 2025. Additionally, the online retail market for food and groceries in India is expected to grow by $9.87 billion during 2020-2024.
When we asked Chutnefy, about the prospect of a healthy snack industry in India in the upcoming Diwali season, they said, “There’s no doubt that the snacks market is an ever-growing space, and the demand has brought about a steady influx of new brands, more so online. New products are being launched & new variants are being introduced, all keeping innovation and variety as a priority to meet the demand for breaking away from previous practice of gifting the “usual Indian Sweets & Snacks.”
They added, “People want to be seen as being different, and the new brands that have these offerings stand to gain amongst this growing customer base. In fact, as part of our offering, we too have launched a unique set of snacking products to go with our unique chutneys like healthy Khakras, and are soon launching flavored crisps, all with Clean Label at the heart of it.”
Diwali is a season that traditionally focuses on the distribution of sweets and snacks, which often lack nutritious value. However, this issue is gradually becoming the focal point for companies like Alpinos, Roasty Tasty, SUZU and Chuntnefy as they aim to transform Diwali gifting snack options into healthier alternatives infused with nutrients.
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One of the main reasons for this shift is the growing awareness among people about the negative health impacts of consuming certain less nutritious food items. These effects include chronic illnesses like diabetes, increased blood pressure, and obesity, primarily resulting from the consumption of processed or oily foods. In contrast, items like nuts, dry fruits, and seeds have gained immense popularity due to their numerous health benefits.
When we asked Umesh Gajera, COO of Alpino, about this trend, he said, “This year, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in consumer preferences towards healthier snack options. People are increasingly conscious of their well-being and are looking for snacks that align with their health goals. At Alpino, we’ve proactively adapted to these changing trends by introducing innovative products and packaging solutions.”
When we asked about their strategy to cater to them with their product/packaging innovations, Umesh said, “We’ve observed a growing trend among corporates and businesses seeking healthier gifting options for their employees and vendor partners during the Diwali season. Our range of nutritious and delicious snacks has become a top choice for corporate gifting. Our revamped packaging showcases the health benefits of our products, making them an appealing and thoughtful gift choice.”
He added, “We’ve also introduced customizable gift packs to cater to corporate requirements, allowing them to express appreciation and well-wishes in a healthier, more meaningful way. This Diwali, Alpino is honored to be the preferred gifting option for those who prioritize the well-being and happiness of their associates”
People are increasingly inclined towards fitness and often prefer to adjust their lifestyles. Many people opt for gluten-free products or items that align with specific diets, such as the Keto Diet. The demand for these types of products continues to grow, and companies like Healthy Master are stepping in to offer personalized gift hampers that cater to different dietary requirements.
When it comes to healthy snacks, packaging plays a pivotal role in their marketing and sales strategy. Diverse packaging forms and designs have the potential to influence consumers’ choices, allowing manufacturers of nutritious snacks to establish a significant presence in this fast-growing sector. Gas-filled pouches, for instance, offer protection for delicate and healthy snack options, ensuring their freshness and quality. However, the use of preservatives in packaging may not align with the health-conscious segments.
Rather than relying on a large amount of preservatives, the focus can be on identifying ingredients with inherently longer natural shelf lives, such as oats, dates, honey, dry fruits, and nuts. The approach to product development can involve conducting trials with various combinations to create healthier and more flavorful options that cater to both taste and nutrition.
As we immerse ourselves in the festive glow of Diwali, a celebration of light’s victory over darkness, let’s reflect on the choices we make for our well-being. The evolution of traditional Diwali snacks into healthier, nutrient-rich alternatives is being led by a number of companies. Some of the interesting brands to watch out for this Diwali are as below :
Chutnefy
Chutnefy’s product lineup offers a blend of convenience and flavor that elevates your dining experience. Their chutneys and side dishes are crafted with care to simplify your festive season, presenting 100% clean and preservative-free choices. Chutnefy is also vegan-friendly, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy their delectable offerings. With Chutnefy, you can easily access these delightful options, making your festive cooking effortless. Choose Chutnefy to enhance your celebrations and relish the flavors of stress-free festivities.
Alpino
Alpino’s product range includes Peanut Butter, Peanut Muesli, High Protein Oats, and Nut-Mix, all packed with flavor and nutrition. These products are crafted with a commitment to natural goodness and are free from artificial preservatives. Alpino’s products are gluten-free, GMO-free, vegan-friendly, and suitable for a healthy vegetarian diet. Choosing Alpino is an easy and tasty way to make your daily meals and snacks healthier.
SUZU Agro
In the fast-paced whirl of life, SUZU comes to the rescue with a range of nutritious delights. Their festive menu features millet-based products and instant sprout mixes, free from preservatives. Enjoy pancakes, dosas, crepes, and more. Explore freeze-dried fruits, veggies, and spice blends that add enchantment to every meal. SUZU’s sprout mixes infuse vitality into soups, salads, and curries with ease. They offer ready-to-eat meals for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, a variety of chili oils, and Indian gravies.
Roasty Tasty
Roasty Tasty offers a delectable range of roasted snacks that cater to your taste buds and health-conscious choices. Their Bajra Mix, Jowar Mix, Multigrain, 5 Grain Mix, Millet Mix, Millet Munch, Crunchy Munchy, and Quinoa Puff & Seeds are packed with the goodness of whole grains, millets, pulses, seeds, and lentils. These snacks are the perfect guilt-free indulgence for those who want to savor flavor without compromising on health.
This Diwali, embrace the gift of good health. The shift towards health-conscious gifting, led by companies like Alpinos, Roasty Tasty, SUZU, and Chutnefy, is reshaping traditions. People are choosing healthier options to avoid the negative impacts of processed foods and focus on well-being, especially after the pandemic.
Innovative packaging and the use of naturally long-lasting ingredients are driving this change. It’s a celebration of light’s victory over darkness and a reminder that good health is the most precious gift. Share wellness and goodness this Diwali. So, this Diwali, consider opting for the gift of good health.
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