Farmley unveils rising trend in healthy snacking at IHSS 2025

INDIA- Farmley, a leading healthy snacking brand, unveiled its 2025 Healthy Snacking Report, highlighting a notable transformation in India’s consumer habits: 55% now prefer snacks without preservatives, while 52% prioritise environmentally friendly packaging, indicating a growing preference for options that balance wellness, flavor, and sustainability.

Farmley, India’s premier brand for wholesome snacks, launched the second edition of its signature Healthy Snacking Report during the Indian Healthy Snacking Summit (IHSS) 2025, which took place in New Delhi.

Based on responses from diverse age groups, careers, and regions, the 2025 report provides a dynamic snapshot of India’s evolving snacking culture, where heritage meets innovation, and flavor, functionality, and mindful indulgence are seamlessly integrated.

The 2025 Healthy Snacking Report highlights a clear transformation in Indian consumer behavior, where taste and wellness now go hand in hand.

“This year’s report reflects a clear evolution; from snacking out of habit to snacking with purpose,” said Akash Sharma, Co-Founder of Farmley.

“Today’s consumers demand both flavor and functionality, and they’re unwilling to compromise on either.”

People are no longer compromising on flavor for the sake of health, nor do they feel guilty about indulging.

Instead, over 55% are actively choosing snacks that are clean and free of preservatives, reflecting a growing demand for functional snacking that supports individual wellness goals.

Packaging has also taken centre stage, with 52% of respondents favoring eco-conscious and resealable designs, signaling that sustainability and convenience are just as critical as the snack itself.

India’s snacking landscape is undergoing a flavorful evolution, with roasted and flavored dry fruits emerging as the top savory choice among 36% of consumers, closely followed by makhana at 19%, marking its rise as a modern super-snack.

This growing popularity aligns with the government’s plan to establish a Makhana Board in Bihar, as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.

While innovative formats dominate, traditional snacks, such as chips (14%), namkeen (10%), and khakhras (9%), still maintain their loyal base.

On the sweet side, chocolate remains the undisputed favorite, though nutty variants like peanut butter, hazelnut, and pistachio are gaining appeal for their healthful indulgence.

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, convenience is key. Around 45% of consumers now opt for portable, ready-to-eat options, such as energy bars and dry fruit-infused desserts.

This on-the-go snacking trend is powerful among Gen Z and millennials, who are driving growth in online snack purchases, ordering twice as frequently as older generations (43% versus 28%).

Interestingly, in smaller towns and cities, local snack brands are thriving despite minimal advertising, thanks to their reliable quality, unique flavors, and deep-rooted community ties, proving that trust and authenticity can outperform flashy campaigns.

This shift reflects a deeper cultural evolution, where clarity, trust, and community ties are becoming just as important as taste and brand visibility in influencing consumer choices.

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