73% of Indians choose healthier snack options despite costs; prioritize reading ingredient lists and nutritional value

A new survey reveals that 73 percent of Indians prefer to read ingredient lists and nutritional value before purchasing snacks, highlighting a growing inclination towards healthy snacking in the country. The Healthy Snacking Report 2024, released on Sunday, is based on a survey of over 6,000 people across India and aims to examine the evolving consumption trends.

"Seventy-three per cent of those surveyed prefer to read labels for ingredient lists and nutritional value before making a purchase. Of this, 93 per cent expressed a desire to transition to healthier options, highlighting a correlation between label reading and conscious choices while pushing for transparency," read the report.

The report comes in the wake of increasing cases of food adulteration in products such as spices, confectionaries, and fast-moving goods. This issue has prompted consumers to be more cautious, with many checking food packets for potentially harmful substances.


The survey found that 9 out of 10 respondents are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional snacks. Specifically, nearly 60 percent of Indians are now opting for natural, additive-free products containing wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Makhanas (foxnuts) and dry fruits have emerged as popular choices in the healthy snacking segment. According to the report, 67 percent of Indians prefer these nutrient-dense options.

"In a true testament to the growing popularity of makhanas in India, 59 per cent millennials called it their trusted snack, followed by Gen Z (49 per cent) and Gen X (47 per cent), indicating its popularity across people of all ages. Additionally, over 70 per cent revealed that their favourite time to snack was with their evening cup of tea/coffee," the report added.

However, the shift towards healthier snacks is not without its challenges. Over 58 percent of those surveyed identified "high retail costs" as a barrier to making the switch.

The consumer insight study was conducted by the snacking brand Farmley.