One Nation, Many Snacks: How Food Connects Every Indian | Tocco

Snacking is more than just a pastime in India; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends regions and lifestyles. It’s not merely about satisfying hunger-it’s about adding flavor to moments, fueling conversations, celebrating milestones, and sometimes, just surviving endless office hours. Whether it’s a handful of namkeen during chai time or a bowl of something crunchy while binge-watching, snacks are India’s favorite companions. Who doesn’t have that one friend with an enviable stash of goodies, ready to pop open at the first sign of hunger?

Snacking isn’t confined to a particular region-it’s a unifying thread across the country. No matter where you go, munching on something while multitasking is second nature to us. According to a consumer study 72% of Indians admitted to snacking when happy, with both men and women showing similar habits. Moreover, 56% said they snack more when feeling sad, and 40% find that snacking helps them beat boredom and uplift their mood. Clearly, snacking is tied to our emotions as much as our routines.

Consumer study ref : https://godrejyummiez.in/pdf/the_india_snacking_report.pdf

Homes That Smelled of Freshly Made Local Favorites

Remember those weekends when the aroma of freshly fried banana chips or golden-brown chaklis filled the air? Our parents and grandparents would spend hours kneading dough, shaping snacks, and frying them to perfection. Diamond cuts, shakkarpara, murukku-these weren’t just snacks; they were acts of love, carefully stored in steel dabbas and eagerly raided by us after school. These homemade treasures didn’t rely on preservatives or glossy packaging-just pure ingredients, timeless recipes, and a whole lot of heart.

And after a vacation spent at home, those tightly packed boxes of these snacks would find their way into our suitcases, lovingly prepared to remind us of home when we were away.

Divided by Flavors, United by the Habit

From north to south and east to west, each region has its signature snack items that reflect its culinary traditions. In the north, snacks are bold and full of spice. Crispy chaklis, sweet shakkarparas, are staples during weddings and festivals like Diwali. Then there’s the obsession with samosas-piping hot, golden triangles filled with spiced potatoes that find their way into every chai party.

Heading south, snacks take on a delightful coconutty charm. Kerala's banana chips, crisped to perfection in coconut oil, are nothing short of legendary. Pair them with a steaming cup of filter coffee, and you’ve discovered snacking bliss. Just when you think you’re done, out come packets of tapioca chips, spicy mixtures, and avalose unda, tempting you for just one more bite. Another beloved classic is murukku-those irresistibly crunchy, coiled treats that disappear faster than you’d expect. And we can’t forget the hidden gem, munthirikothu-a jaggery and pulse-based deep-fried snack that’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive.

In the east, snacks mirror the region’s cultural diversity. West Bengal’s nimki and Odisha’s khaja are delightful examples of how snacks can be both indulgent and ceremonial.

The western states, on the other hand, offer some of the crunchiest treasures, from Gujarat’s farsan to Maharashtra’s diamond cuts and bhel puri-a street-food classic that has earned fans across the nation.

Snacking All Along

From train rides and card games to quiet evenings and festive moments, snacks are woven into every Indian memory. 

Even in isolation, they offered comfort and joy. Through every season of life, snacking has stayed by our side-a simple pleasure that never fades.

Healthier Snacking Habits

While snacks bring comfort and joy, overindulging in processed or fried varieties can lead to health issues like weight gain, high cholesterol, and diabetes. 

With the rise of work-from-home culture, it’s more important than ever to strike a balance. Encouragingly, a global study by Wonderful Pistachios 

shows that urban Indian consumers are now prioritizing nutrition over taste, with nine out of ten seeking protein-rich options-marking a clear shift 

toward mindful eating. This trend has paved the way for healthier, traditional snacks to make a comeback, with brands like Tocco offering preservative-free 

regional favorites like banana chips, murukku, shakkarpara, and diamond cuts-bringing both nostalgia and nutrition in every bite.

Celebrating the Culture

Whether it’s a corporate chai break with masala biscuits or a festive binge on murukku, India’s snacking culture is a celebration of our love for food 

and connection. So, the next time you reach for that packet of banana chips or chaklis, remember you’re not just snacking-you’re embracing a legacy, 

one crunchy bite at a time!