And why snack shelves are changing for good.

It’s no longer a niche habit to flip a pack and examine what’s inside. In fact, more than 80% of urban consumers now actively read nutrition labels before picking up packaged food. From office breakrooms to online grocery carts, the “back of the pack” is where decisions are being made.

This isn’t just about cutting calories. It’s about informed eating, label literacy, and a growing awareness of what we put into our bodies—especially when it comes to everyday snacks.

Let’s dive into what’s shaping this shift and why healthy snacking brands are gaining attention for ticking the right boxes.

1. Simplicity Over Science—Ingredients You Recognize

Gone are the days when shoppers blindly trusted long ingredient lists filled with chemical codes. Today’s urban buyer wants to read ingredients and think, “Yep, I know that.”

From a marketing perspective, this is referred to as the clean-label movement—and it’s booming. According to a NielsenIQ report, 74% of global consumers say they feel positively toward brands that use simple, recognizable ingredients.

That’s one of the reasons Beetroot Chips, which feature just beetroot, masala seasoning, and oil, are catching on. There’s comfort in simplicity. You don’t have to Google any ingredients—you just enjoy the crunch.

2. The Rise of Calorie-Conscious Snacking

Urban professionals and students alike are juggling demanding schedules and need snacks that energize without overloading. This isn’t about “low-fat” anymore. It’s about a balanced calorie content that supports daily activity without triggering food guilt.

Think of a pack of  Oats Chips – Peri Peri flavor. It delivers the crunch of traditional chips, a spicy hit of flavor and stays under a mindful calorie count. That’s what modern snackers are after: smart indulgence.

Snackers today want fuel, not fluff.

3. Plant-Based = Everyday Nutrition

The global plant-based food market is growing at over 11% CAGR year on year. But what’s interesting is that people aren’t necessarily becoming vegan—they’re simply becoming more plant-curious.

This means consumers are choosing snacks made from pulses, grains, and vegetables over highly processed flour-based options. Ingredients like quinoa, ragi, moong dal, beetroot, and black chana are now preferred not just for their nutrition but also their digestibility, fiber content, and satiety factor.

Brands that use these ingredients—like Quinoa Chips Jalapeno or Moong Dal Zesty Masala Chips—fit into this narrative seamlessly.

4. Low on Salt, High on Taste

More and more consumers are scrutinizing sodium levels on labels. A 2023 FSSAI report noted that average sodium intake in India is almost double the recommended amount, mainly due to processed snacks and packaged foods.

That’s why there’s a growing preference for snacks that offer flavor through natural herbs, Indian spices, and minimal salt—rather than overwhelming seasoning. Products like Soya Chips Pudina or Corn Chips Masala Magic offer a well-seasoned experience without excess sodium.

Flavor is important—but not at the cost of blood pressure.

5. “No Artificial” is the New Standard

Urban consumers have become skeptical of artificial anything—be it preservatives, colorings, or enhancers. 

According to Mintel, 69% of Indian consumers are more likely to purchase food with claims of 'no artificial preservatives.'

This has led to the rise of baked snacks, air-puffed chips, and snacks that clearly state:
✅ No Trans Fats
✅ No MSG
✅ No Artificial Colors or Preservatives

Products like Black Chana Chips – Savoury Masala offer that satisfying fried-like taste—without being deep-fried or chemically enhanced.

6. Sugar? Only When Necessary

While sugar may not be the first thing people check in salty snacks, it’s still on the radar—especially hidden sugars. A snack that claims to be savory but includes added sugar to enhance taste can quickly lose consumer trust.

Now, health-conscious buyers are gravitating toward zero-sugar savory options that keep it real. This is especially important for those managing conditions like PCOS, diabetes, or simply aiming for a low-GI lifestyle.

With Nutroyumm’s range, the sugar levels are negligible or absent altogether in the savory lineup—another reason they fit into guilt-free snacking routines.

What the Numbers Reveal

Let’s talk data.

• 80%+ of urban snack buyers check labels before buying (Mintel 2024).
  
  

• 1 in 3 millennials say they only purchase snacks made from real food ingredients (Accenture survey).
  
  

• Google Trends shows a 50% increase in searches for “low-calorie Indian snacks” and “healthy chips” in the past 12 months.
  
  

• The Indian healthy snacking market is projected to grow by 20% YOY through 2026.

In short, the shift is real, and it’s only picking up speed.

The Final Scoop: Mindful Crunch is the Future

As more consumers become label-literate, the pressure is on for brands to deliver transparent, balanced, and plant-based snacking options. It’s no longer about being the crunchiest—it’s about being the smartest crunch on the shelf.

So, next time you're scanning the snack aisle or scrolling through your online grocery app, ask yourself:

✔️ Do I recognize these ingredients?
✔️ Are the calories, sugar, and salt levels reasonable?
✔️ Is it made from real, plant-based foods?

Chances are, if you're saying yes to those, you're reaching for something like Nutroyumm.

A brand that understands that great snacks should nourish, not just fill.