You Won't Believe How These 5 Indian Snack Brands Are Taking Over Your Protein Game!

As the trend of health-conscious snacking continues to escalate in the U.S. and beyond, protein-based snacks are emerging as the go-to option for those looking to indulge without the guilt. The humble protein shake has evolved dramatically, now appearing in various forms from protein water to snacks like bars, chips, and even popcorn. This growing interest in protein-rich foods has prompted celebrities from both sides of the globe to enter the market, with American media personality Khloé Kardashian launching Khloud Protein Popcorn, and Bollywood star Ranveer Singh co-founding SuperYou, which specializes in protein-packed wafers and chips.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the healthy snacks market in India is projected to reach a revenue of USD 6,427.5 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% expected from 2024 to 2030. This statistic underscores the increasing global appetite for healthier snack alternatives, particularly in emerging markets.

Focusing on the Indian market, several homegrown brands are pushing the boundaries of traditional snacking with innovative, protein-rich gourmet options. These companies are walking the tightrope between taste and health, aiming to offer consumers guilt-free indulgence.

Innovative Protein Snacks in India

SuperYou, co-founded by Ranveer Singh, has sparked interest with their exciting range of protein snacks. Following the success of their protein wafers, they launched Multigrain Chips, containing 10 grams of protein per serving, last year. Co-founder Nikunj Biyani explains, "Our vision has always been to disrupt traditional snacking with healthier alternatives through purposeful innovations." The chips are made from a blend of ingredients like urad dal, rice flour, and chickpea, leveraging an innovative source of protein—fermented yeast, which is designed to be gut-friendly while delivering optimal efficacy.

In addition to the chips, SuperYou's protein wafer bars come in enticing flavors such as chocolate, choco peanut butter, and coffee, each containing 10 grams of protein per 40-gram serving. These options are priced starting at ₹50 for chips and upwards of ₹60 for wafers.

Aquatein, co-founded by Ananth B Prabhala and Mitisha Mehta, has also carved a niche in the protein space with their unique protein water. Launched in May 2019 and gaining market traction by 2021, Aquatein offers 10g and 21g protein options, making protein intake convenient and accessible for all age groups. Mitisha notes, “We use whey protein isolate, which is lactose-free and treated to dissolve in water, ensuring stability and ease of absorption.” Their protein water is priced at ₹396 for a box of four 10g servings and ₹600 for the 21g variant.

Twiddles, co-founded by ace cricketer Yuvraj Singh, is another notable player in this space, offering chocolate spreads and snackable energy bites made from 60–70% real nuts. Co-founder Kumar Gaurav emphasizes the brand's mission to create "protein-first, guilt-free indulgence," aiming to balance taste with health by significantly reducing sugar content and eliminating preservatives. Their products start at ₹220.

Additionally, Wild Date stands out with its wide range of healthy snacks, including protein-based cookies and granola. Founder CS Siddharth, an endurance athlete, created the brand to fill a gap in the market for clean, performance-supporting snacks. Their granola variants contain between 5.2g and 7.6g of protein per 40-gram serving, with cookies offering 3.6g and 3.10g of protein, respectively. Prices for their products start at ₹300.

Expert Opinions on Protein Consumption

While protein is essential for muscle building and repair, excess intake can be counterproductive, warns Dr. Nancy Sahni, chief dietician and head of the Department of Dietetics at PGIMER, Chandigarh. "If there’s high protein intake but low carbohydrate intake, the body will use protein for energy rather than its intended purpose," she explains. Dr. Sahni advises consumers to check nutritional labels carefully, noting the importance of portion sizes, ingredient lists, and potential hidden sugars or unhealthy additives.

As consumers increasingly lean towards healthier snacking options, the emphasis on protein-rich foods is likely to continue growing. Brands like SuperYou, Aquatein, Twiddles, and Wild Date exemplify how the market is evolving, providing choices that meet the dual demands of health and taste. With the right balance and informed choices, snacking can indeed be both pleasurable and nutritious.