86 per cent Indians prioritise protein in snacks: Report
A new survey found 86% of Indians consider protein important while choosing snacks, while 61% prefer natural sweeteners over refined sugar. The report highlights growing demand for healthier, transparent, functional foods and increasing reliance on quick-commerce platforms for purchases
New Delhi: Nearly 86 per cent of Indians consider protein an important factor while choosing snacks, while 61 per cent prefer products sweetened with natural ingredients such as dates and jaggery over refined sugar, according to a new report.
The ‘Farmley Healthy Snacking Report 2026′, unveiled at the third India Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) on Friday, pointed to a growing shift towards healthier, functional and more transparent snacking choices.
The findings are based on insights from over 6,000 respondents across generations, professions and cities. “It revealed that 86 per cent of Indians consider protein an important factor while choosing snacks, while 32 per cent said they are willing to pay a premium for protein-rich products.
“More than six in ten consumers (61 per cent) prefer snacks sweetened with natural ingredients such as dates and jaggery over refined sugar, signalling a growing preference for cleaner labels and mindful indulgence,” the report said.
The findings also showed that ingredient transparency has become a key factor influencing purchase decisions, with 62 per cent of respondents identifying it as the most important consideration while choosing a snack brand, ahead of celebrity endorsements and influencer recommendations.
The report highlighted emerging opportunities in specialised nutrition segments. More than half of the women surveyed expressed interest in snacks formulated to support nutritional needs during different phases of the menstrual cycle, indicating rising demand for products tailored to women’s health.
Among parents, nearly 60 per cent said they are willing to pay more for healthier snack alternatives for their children, reflecting the growing premiumisation of kids’ nutrition.
The report also pointed to changing purchasing behaviour, with 31 per cent of respondents preferring Blinkit for snack purchases, followed by Zepto (16 per cent) and Instamart (15 per cent), underscoring the growing role of quick commerce.
Despite the rise of online platforms, offline retail remains significant, with 35 per cent of consumers saying shelf visibility influences their purchase decisions the most.
“The future of snacking in India is being shaped by consumers who are making far more intentional choices than ever before. “They are seeking snacks that offer functionality, transparency and convenience, while also catering to the evolving taste profiles,” said Akash Sharma, co-founder of Farmley.
