Food and hunger go hand in hand. To satiate food cravings, to grab that badly needed bite in the middle of stressful work, to relax and unwind after a hard day’s work with some evening snacks, we look for readily available, tasty options. All these push us towards picking up fatty stuff that does more harm than good. In the long run, this can have many untoward effects on our health. On the other hand, healthy evening snacks Indian version can keep you energetic and happy throughout the day.
It doesn’t mean that one should compromise with food and taste. All we need is to find alternatives that are healthy and full of flavour. Thankfully in India, there is no dearth of options. So, we have listed below some best Indian snacks for you..
How do you know if your snacks are healthy or not?
Healthy snacks are those that are low in added sugars, high in protein and fibre, and made with whole, minimally processed ingredients. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition label and ingredients list to ensure that your snack meets these criteria. However, to determine if your snack is healthy or not, there are a few key things to consider:
Nutritional Value
A healthy snack should have a good balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Look for snacks that are high in fibre, protein, and healthy fats, as they will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Ingredients
Look for snacks that are made with whole, minimally processed ingredients. Avoid snacks that are high in added sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other chemicals.
Portion Size
Even healthy snacks can be high in calories, so it’s important to pay attention to portion size. Stick to single serving sizes or measure out your portions to avoid overeating.
Healthy Indian Snacks List
Staying away from snacking between breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be challenging, whether you work from home or the office. However, skipping snacks entirely is not a good option as it can affect your metabolism and mental well-being. Therefore, it’s best to have healthy Indian snacks at hand to avoid unhealthy eating habits. With a variety of options ranging from salty, sweet, crunchy, or a combination of all, you can choose the one that suits you.
Take a look at our collection of 15 healthy Indian snacks list which will help you avoid hunger pangs and enable you to spend the day on an energetic note.
1. Makhana
The search for a good substitute for junk snacks like chips and puffs never gets over. Thankfully, there is a good alternative in the form of makhana. For the health-conscious, it is a low-calorie option that is full of many nutrients like protein, potassium, carbohydrate, fiber, and minerals like magnesium, iron & zinc.
Also Read: Makhanas: Benefits, Nutritional Value & Side Effects
2. Beaten Moong
This snack has been sold on the streets of India since always and is now finally getting its much-deserved recognition. Now available as a packaged snack, you can easily buy beaten moong from a shop near you, or online. You can consider it in your healthier quick Indian snacks list.
Checkout: Snacks Brands in India
3. Dry Fruits
Our parents and grandparents have always insisted that we should eat some dry fruits on a daily basis. And, without a doubt, the health benefits of dry-fruits are many. Almonds, pistachios & cashews are some of the popular dry-fruits that are easily available. You can also find premium quality dry fruits online to save time and the hassles of local shopping!
Must Read: List of Dry Fruits to Add in Your Diet
4. Protein Bars
When we think of protein bars, we assume that they will be a packaged bars made with many synthetic ingredients. But, you can also formulate an Indian version of protein bars with household ingredients like Gur, almonds, honey, murmure & channa, etc. So, they are the best example of healthy Indian packaged snacks. If preparing a protein bar at home is too much for you, don’t worry! You can get delightful protein bars price on many online platforms.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Protein Bars in India
5. Oats
Oats are among the healthiest whole grain food available. The whole form of oats can take time to cook, whereas instant oat can be a good option as you can cook them in the microwave with a little milk. For extra nutrients, add some fruits to it.
Must Read: Oats Nutrition Facts and Benefits
6. Gur Chana
Gur Chana is innovated by some leading organic food brands which bought it to the limelight. Both the taste factor & the nutritional value of this traditional Indian healthy snack are undeniable.
7. Chivda/Poha
Chivda or Poha, as it is often called, is a popular base for many Indian dry snacks. Most of the Namkeens you find out there have chivda as its main ingredient. It is a wholesome meal that is rich in fiber and a good source of carbohydrate, iron, and essential vitamins.
8. Murmure/Puffed Rice
Like Poha, murmure or puffed rice is also a popular base for many namkeens and mixtures that are available in the market. They are light on the stomach and make for a great mid-day snack. This is the best example of a quick and healthy snack in India.
Also Checkout: Healthy Breakfast for Weight Loss
9. Whole Wheat Biscuits
The biscuits that we enjoy with our cup of chai are often flour-based and can be bad for our gut health. Thankfully, many organic food brands sell wheat biscuits, which are a much better alternative.
10. Khakhra Chips
This popular Gujarati snack has made its presence felt all over the country. Khakhra is a healthier alternative to packaged junk food and is lighter on the stomach. It is often accompanied by a pickle, which brings the best taste out of Khakhra chips. This is a great choice among many healthy evening Indian snacks.
You might like: Healthy Midnight Snacks to Stop Your Hunger Pangs
11. Fruits
Unlike many other parts of the world, India has always been known to have higher levels of fruit consumption. Having fruits at any time of the day can boost your energy levels and provide your body with all the essential nutrients that keep it healthy.
Also Read: List of Keto Diet Fruits
12. Tilgul Ladoos (Sesame Seeds and Jaggery)
Tilgul is made up of roasted sesame seeds and molten jaggery. This healthy Indian snack has anti-aging properties and is a perfect sweet for winters. Other than this, it is known for curing cancer, preventing degenerative diseases, and defeat anemia issues.
You might like: 20 Healthy Office Snacks to Keep You Focused
13. Sprouts
Sprouting is known to enhance the nutritional value of grain and improves our digestion. They can even taste good if cooked properly.
14. Corn
Corn can be eaten in different ways; one can make corn soup, corn chat, and baby corn Pakodas, etc. It is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates and definitely a healthy and tasty option over any junk food.
15. Bhel Puri
Bhelpuri is a savory that is made up of puffed rice, peanuts, and vegetables, sprinkled with mixed spices. You can load it with nuts and herbs to make it an ideal quick Indian snack.
Which is the best time to consume snacks?
The best time to consume snacks can depend on individual preferences and circumstances, such as personal schedules, activity levels, and nutritional needs. However, here are a few general tips that can help:
Consider the timing of your main meals
It’s generally a good idea to space out your snacks between your main meals. For example, if you eat breakfast at 8 a.m. and lunch at 12 p.m., having a snack around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. can help keep your energy levels up until lunch.
Pay attention to your hunger levels:
If you’re feeling hungry between meals, having a snack can help you avoid overeating at your next meal. Listen to your body and eat a snack when you feel like you need it.
Choose healthy snacks
Opt for snacks that are nutrient-dense, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, rather than processed snacks that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Consider your activity level
If you’re planning on doing physical activity, having a snack before or after can help fuel your body and aid in recovery.
Conclusion
When it comes to healthy Indian snacks, there are multiple guilt-free options available in India. No matter in which part of the country you live in, you can easily access these in all parts of the country. Moreover, these quick healthy evening snacks will keep you energetic without adding that extra pounds to your weight.
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