The pleasant crunch of a samosa or the syrupy goodness of a jalebi can simply make any cup of night chai really feel like a celebration. These basic Indian snacks have a manner of bringing consolation and nostalgia. Nonetheless, behind their tasty facade usually lurks a well being concern. A medium samosa can pack in about 300–350 energy, whereas a single jalebi sometimes accommodates between 150 and 200 energy, primarily as a result of its refined flour and sugar content material. So, what if we might nonetheless take pleasure in our chai with out the added guilt?
There are many conventional Indian snacks that aren’t solely lighter on the waistline but in addition filled with flavour. Listed below are 5 scrumptious choices advisable by diet knowledgeable Ginni Kalra.
Roasted chana
- Energy (30g): 100 kcal
- Roasted chana is a pleasant snack that boasts a satisfying crunch with out the necessity for frying. Wealthy in protein and dietary fibre, it’s a wonderful choice for if you’re feeling peckish.
- Vitamin Perception: “It’s a easy, no-fuss snack that helps vitality ranges and retains blood sugar secure,” explains Kalra, who heads Dietetics at Aakash Healthcare. With no maida (refined flour) or trans fat concerned, you may take pleasure in roasted chana guilt-free!
Vegetable upma
- Energy (1 cup): 250-300 kcal
- Upma, constituted of rava (semolina) and quite a lot of seasonal greens, is a comforting choice that fills you up with out the grease of deep-fried favourites. It’s excellent for these chilly evenings!
- Vitamin Perception: In line with the dietitian, “In comparison with fried snacks, upma retains you full longer and doesn’t spike your sugar.” This makes it a more healthy choice whereas nonetheless being hearty and satisfying, as per the UK’s Nationwide Institute of Well being.

Poha with greens
- Energy (40g + veggies 100g): 250 kcal
- Poha, made with a minimal quantity of oil and loaded with greens, gives a balanced meal that mixes carbohydrates, iron, and fibre. Not solely is it gentle, nevertheless it’s additionally non-greasy, making it a more healthy various to fried snacks.
- Vitamin Perception: Dietitian Ginni Kalra mentions, “Poha is commonly missed, nevertheless it’s a healthful meal that matches completely with tea.” Its nourishing substances might help you’re feeling full with out weighing you down.
Roasted makhana
- Energy (1 cup): 150 kcal
- Makhana, also referred to as fox nuts, is a wonderful low-calorie snack wealthy in calcium and antioxidants. Once you need one thing to munch on with out the guilt, makhana is your go-to meals.
- Vitamin Perception: “Makhanas are filling, crunchy, and gained’t trigger a sugar crash like jalebi does,” the dietitian provides. A little bit pinch of ghee and spices can considerably improve its flavour with out compromising its well being advantages.
Sprouts chaat
- Energy (1 bowl): 250-300 kcal
- For those who’re craving one thing tangy and refreshing, look no additional than sprouts chaat! This nutritious dish sometimes incorporates sprouted moong, lemon, onions, and coriander, making it a flavorful choice.
- Vitamin Perception: “It’s street-food-inspired however health-forward,” notes the dietitian. Filled with protein and fibre, sprouts chaat isn’t solely scrumptious but in addition retains you feeling glad longer.
Conventional Indian snacks needn’t be laden with guilt. Whereas samosas and jalebis have their appeal, they weren’t meant for day by day consumption. Swapping them out for do-it-yourself, roasted, or flippantly sautéed snacks can result in important well being advantages. With a little bit of creativity and the fitting substances, your tea-time snacks may be each indulgent and nutritious.
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