The Indian snacks market is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and a growing appetite for both indulgent and health-conscious options. With the market projected to reach Rs 95,521.8 crore by 2032 at a strong CAGR of 9.08%, brands are innovating faster than ever to meet this demand. This rapid expansion signals a shift towards mass premium snacking, where consumers now seek out gourmet flavors, personalized experiences, and premium-quality products in every bite. As e-commerce and direct-to-consumer models expand accessibility, the future of snacking is defined by how well brands can cater to these shifting desires.
Chirag Gupta, founder, 4700BC, emphasizes this transformation. “The Indian snacks market is witnessing a data-driven transformation,” says Gupta. “With the transition toward mass premium and indulgent snacking, consumers are seeking gourmet flavors in personalized options and premium-quality bites.” This shift is supported by the growth of digital platforms, enabling brands to offer tailored, high-quality snacking experiences. “The future of snacking in India will be dictated by how well we meet changing consumer desires,” Gupta adds, noting the importance of personalization and indulgence in modern snacking trends.
Yet, the snacking revolution isn’t solely focused on indulgence. As Janardhan Swahar, Managing Director & CEO, Ycook, points out, there is a parallel trend toward adventurous and health-conscious eating. “Today’s consumers are more adventurous than ever in their culinary choices,” says Swahar. “They’re eager to explore unique ingredients and bold flavors.” However, taste alone no longer satisfies consumers—they want to know the nutritional profiles of what they’re eating, where the ingredients come from, and what makes the product authentic. “This growing curiosity is paired with an increased awareness of what goes into their food,” he explains. As consumers become more informed, they seek products that align with their values, from sustainability to real, unprocessed flavors.
This drive for authenticity is reshaping the food landscape. “The era when a few dominant brands held sway over consumer choices is becoming a thing of the past,” Swahar continues. Consumers are open to switching between brands that offer something unique, which has made research and development (R&D) and innovation in the food industry more exciting than ever. “It’s not just about creating new flavors, but about ensuring these offerings meet the high standards of quality and transparency that consumers now demand,” he adds.
Health-conscious snacking has also seen a significant rise in demand, a trend highlighted by Salloni Ghodawat, Director of Ghodawat Consumer Limited. “The demand for healthier snacking options is tremendously increasing,” says Ghodawat. This shift has led brands to explore new, nutritious alternatives such as millet and makhana-based snacks, which resonate with the growing health-conscious demographic. These products align with modern lifestyle goals, positioning brands as wellness-oriented snack providers. “This trend has drawn several brands into repositioning their strategy as wellness-oriented snack providers,” she notes.
In addition to the focus on healthier ingredients, packaging plays a vital role in attracting and educating consumers. “Packaging is designed not only to captivate attention but also to reflect the health benefits of the products,” says Ghodawat. By combining aesthetic appeal with informational clarity, brands are helping raise awareness about healthier snacking choices in a fast-paced world where consumers demand both convenience and nutrition.
As the Indian snacking industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future lies in a combination of indulgence, health, and authenticity. Whether through gourmet flavors, authentic narratives, or health-conscious innovations, brands are striving to create a unique and satisfying snacking experience that meets the evolving desires of today’s consumers.
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