India’s Snacking Trends Shift to Baked and No-Maida

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.

DeVANS GianChand Manshaa Wins Big at ISW Germany, Crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025"

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

In a landmark win for Indian spirits, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa has been crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025" at the renowned Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) held in Germany. The peated single malt not only secured the prestigious Grand Gold but also emerged as the top international whisky, outshining legendary competitors from whisky powerhouses like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.

Out of 450 global spirit entries, only 11 earned the coveted Grand Gold, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa being the only Indian whisky to achieve this. This dual honour reflects the growing sophistication and recognition of Indian whiskies on a global platform.

The latest expression from DeVANS, GianChand Manshaa is the brand’s first peated single malt, crafted in the Himalayan region. The whisky impressed the international jury with its "long medicinal peat smoke, perfectly framed by citrus and spicy flavours." Esteemed whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, praised it for its “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”

Crafted using pure Himalayan waters and shaped by the region’s distinct microclimate, GianChand Manshaa stands as a symbol of India’s potential in the premium single malt category. The win adds to the growing list of accolades for DeVANS, following their recent victories at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas, where GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025.

“This prestigious Grand Gold and INTERNATIONAL WHISKY OF THE YEAR award at ISW Meininger, Germany 2025 is a great recognition of our passion, craft and commitment to quality,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “It’s not only a victory for DeVANS, but also a recognition of India’s growing role in the global whisky space.”

Speaking on the brand's journey, Dewan added, “GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Adambaraa represent two facets of our legacy, one bold and peated, the latter refined and elegant. Their success is a tribute to our team’s hard work and a reaffirmation of India’s place in the world of single malts.”

Currently available in Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free, both GianChand expressions will soon hit retail shelves in Haryana and Goa. These achievements underline DeVANS’ commitment to excellence and its vision to elevate Indian whisky to global acclaim.

For whisky lovers and industry insiders alike, this moment is not just a triumph, it’s a proud celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation coming out of India’s distilleries today.

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Organic Bistro Redefines Clean Comfort Dining in Delhi’s Khan Market

By Hariharan U

Published on August 1, 2025

Organic Bistro has opened its doors in the heart of Khan Market, New Delhi, offering a refreshing take on clean, ingredient led dining. With seating for 40 and interiors awash in soft pastels and natural light, the space reflects the bistro's philosophy: serving thoughtful, flavour forward meals without giing in to dietary fads or trends.

Founded by Saru Khemka and Arjun Gupta, Organic Bistro isn’t chasing trends or packaging wellness in cliché. It’s a space designed for people who want to eat clean — without being preached to. The focus? Good food, clear intent, and zero compromise on flavour or warmth.

Chef Nishant Choubey, along with in-house chef Gourav Singh Mahori, has created a menu that’s bold yet grounded. Highlights include Purple Potato Dahi Vada, Peri Peri Chickpea Hummus, Jackfruit Haleem, Urfa Chicken Kebabs, and Achari Rajma Khichri with Torched Portobello, every dish carrying a purpose but none trying too hard.

“We’re not trying to fit into binaries — indulgent vs. healthy. Organic Bistro sits in the thoughtful middle”, shares Saru Khemka. “People can keep coming back — solo or social — and the food will always feel real and comfortin”.

The beverage menu is no less intentional, with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and preservative-free teas and coffees, extending the brand’s commitment to clean comfort.

Chef Nishant echoes this clarity: “Guests today want flavour and freshness without feeling excluded. They care, but they’re not buying gimmicks. We’ve kept the menu open, balanced, and intuitive — whether you're in the mood for a salad or something soul-soothing”.

With plans to expand seating upstairs and a Chandigarh flagship next, Organic Bistro’s journey seems to be just warming up serving taste with thought and comfort without clutter.

Location: 38, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

Timings: 11AM - 11PM