Manish Sharma and the Rise of Guilt-Free Snacking in India

Manish Sharma and the Rise of Guilt-Free Snacking in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2025

India's snacking landscape is experiencing a complete overhaul. What was once dominated by deep-fried, maida-laden goodies is now transforming into a space where indulgence meets health led by baked, air-fried, and maida-free snacks.

The growing awareness of lifestyle diseases, particularly among younger consumers, is one of the major drivers of this change. Indian snackers today are more informed, label-conscious, and seek healthier alternatives without compromising on taste. This shift has fueled a wave of new-age snack brands offering millet-based, protein-rich, baked, and air-fried products that resonate with a health-conscious mindset.

One such innovator leading this movement is Manish Sharma, Co-founder of Karigari, who introduced the no-maida chaap concept to the Indian food industry. Known for redefining traditional favourites with a healthy twist, Karigari has become a name associated with clean indulgence.

"We wanted to prove that street-style favourites can be made guilt-free," says Sharma. "Our maida-free chaap is not only a first in the category but also a step towards making protein-rich snacking more accessible and healthier."

"Consumers no longer feel guilty about reaching for a snack," adds another entrepreneur featured in the clip. "Now, it's all about ingredients, not just flavors. No maida, baked not fried, and air-fried foods are no longer just buzzwords—they've become basic expectations."

This transformation is also visible in India's hospitality and food service sectors. Cafés, cloud kitchens, and even high-end dining restaurants are updating their menus to include cleaner snacking options. Healthier chip alternatives, quinoa puffs, ragi cookies, and air-fried chaknas are finding their way onto shelves across both retail and digital platforms.

The pandemic further accelerated this wellness-driven wave. Urban millennials and Gen Z consumers began prioritizing immune health, gut health, and sustainable consumption. As a result, brands are now embracing ancient grains like millet and amaranth, eliminating refined flour, and adopting low-oil cooking methods.

According to market analysts, baked snacks are poised for double-digit growth in the coming years. With government initiatives like the International Year of Millets also promoting these ingredients, India's healthy snacking ecosystem is expanding across sourcing, innovation, and consumer adoption.

Today, Indian snacking is no longer a one-size-fits-all culture. From gluten-free khakhras to air-popped makhanas, consumers now enjoy a wide array of options that are just as nutritious as they are delicious.

About Manish Sharma: With over 17 years of experience in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, Manish Sharma has built a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking industry leader. As the COO and Managing Director of Futomic Group, Manish has been instrumental in driving the company's success through innovation, operational excellence, and strategic expansion.

Flagship brands under his leadership include Karigari Ek-Ehasas (By Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi), Dutchman Port (Pirate-Themed Café & Bar), and Rasam Foods (Multi-Brand Venture). His customer-first philosophy, commitment to quality, and focus on sustainability have inspired many brands to rethink their approach to food innovation and ethical business practices.


Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Unveils Mizuwari Series Inspired by Samurai Virtues

By Hariharan U

Published on August 25, 2026

Zega at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel has unveiled the Mizuwari Series, a new collection of seven signature cocktails inspired by the Japanese tradition of Mizuwari, meaning “cut with water,” and the seven virtues of the Samurai.

Rooted in the principles of balance, restraint and refinement, the new beverage concept combines bold flavours, subtle dilution and considered craftsmanship. Each cocktail is designed around a distinct virtue, translating elements of Japanese philosophy into a contemporary drinking experience.

The collection features Makoto, Chu, Ikigai, Rei, Jin, Yu and Meiyo, with each creation offering its own flavour profile and personality.

The journey begins with Makoto – Honesty & Sincerity, combining vodka, Aperol, yuzu lime and fizz. Chu – Duty & Loyalty brings together bourbon whisky, lime, sesame and Angostura bitters in a characterful highball.

Ikigai – The Secret to a Long & Happy Life combines gin, cherry cordial, hibiscus and sparkling elements, while Rei – Beauty in Imperfection takes a more unexpected approach with vodka, pickled ginger, kaffir lime, cucumber and watermelon.

The collection continues with Jin – Compassion, a blush-pink highball featuring gin, passion, strawberry sweet vermouth, citrus and fizz. Yu – Heroic Courage combines gin, cherry wine, Campari, lime and fizz, while Meiyo – Honour brings together white rum, pineapple, Campari and lime for a more layered profile.

Together, the seven cocktails create a beverage experience that goes beyond individual flavour combinations, inviting guests to explore the stories and virtues represented by each creation.

Through the Mizuwari Series, Zega continues to explore contemporary Japanese-inspired beverage experiences, bringing together traditional philosophy, modern mixology and thoughtful presentation. From refreshing and delicate profiles to richer and more complex combinations, the collection encourages guests to pause, discover and savour each cocktail.


The Orchid Chandigarh Celebrates Rakshabandhan with South Indian Festive Feast

The Orchid Chandigarh Celebrates Rakshabandhan with South Indian Festive Feast

By Hariharan U

Published on August 23, 2026

The Orchid Chandigarh is inviting guests to celebrate Rakshabandhan with an authentic South Indian festive dining experience at South of Vindhyas on August 28, bringing together regional flavours, family traditions and warm hospitality.

The specially curated experience is designed for families looking to mark the occasion over a festive meal, with a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of South India.

Guests can choose between thoughtfully curated vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, featuring classic South Indian delicacies prepared using authentic recipes and time-honoured cooking techniques. The menus are designed to offer a wholesome dining experience while showcasing the distinctive flavours of the region.

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Whether celebrating the bond between siblings, gathering with family or simply enjoying a festive meal, the Rakshabandhan offering at South of Vindhyas provides an opportunity to mark the occasion through food and togetherness.

The experience reflects the restaurant’s focus on bringing authentic regional cuisine to Chandigarh while creating memorable occasions for guests. With traditional flavours and the hospitality associated with The Orchid Chandigarh, the festive meal aims to make Rakshabandhan a special culinary celebration.

Event Details:

What: Rakshabandhan Festive Meal
Venue: South of Vindhyas, The Orchid Chandigarh
Date: August 28, 2026
Contact: +91 9056784618 / +91 9056784619 / +91 9056784617


Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Brings Chinese Hot-Pot Experience This August

Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Brings Chinese Hot-Pot Experience This August

By Hariharan U

Published on August 22, 2026

This August, Opus at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is bringing a warm and comforting Chinese dining experience to the city with Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness, running from 17–30 August.

The experience offers guests a choice of three broths, Sichuan, Asian Mushroom and Tomato Stock. These can be paired with a selection of vegetables, meats, seafood and noodles, giving diners the option to build a hot-pot meal to their liking.

Designed for sharing, the experience is well suited for Mumbai's monsoon season and offers a relaxed way to enjoy a meal with family and friends.

With its focus on warm broths, fresh ingredients and a shared dining format, Hot-Pot: The Comfort of Togetherness adds a seasonal option to Mumbai's August dining scene

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