Healthy snacking: Trendy Instagram fad or real wellness habit? Experts weigh in

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New Delhi: Healthy snacking has taken over the internet, and people are going crazy to follow it in the name of a trend, but have you ever wondered if the snacks that you are eating in the name of healthy are actually healthy or just another Instagram trend or a marketing move by the companies? Well, those who love their bodies would not put anything inside them without knowing the root and ingredients involved in their food.

This also includes eating packed chips, chocolates, namkeen and mixtures that are available in the market, promoting healthy snacking, but when turned back ot check the label turn out to be a big disaster for a fit life. Here are some expert inputs that help you decide better on which products are available, healthy and who are doing the false promises. You also get to learn what to eat and what not to include in your healthy routine to stay active and fit with the right choice of snacks you buy.

Is healthy snacking a myth or true?

Ragini Dhawan, founder, Clean Crunch, shares her views, saying, Snacking, when done right, can be a healthy and essential part of our daily diet. Rather than indulging in heavy meals all at once, nutritionists often recommend eating smaller portions throughout the day to maintain better digestion and energy levels. This is where healthy snacking plays a key role. By replacing typical processed snacks—often packed with trans fats, refined flour, and excessive oil—with more nourishing alternatives like millet-oat pancakes or roasted makhanas, we can fuel our bodies without compromising on health.

Shobhit Agarwal, Director, Greendot Health Foods Pvt Ltd, shared insights, saying, “Absolutely. In the post-pandemic world, healthy snacking has evolved from a passing trend into a conscious lifestyle choice embraced across all age groups. With a growing focus on mindful snacking, consumers are seeking snacks that are not only delicious but also support their overall health. What was once considered just a marketing buzzword has now become a genuine expectation, and brands are adapting accordingly.”

What makes a snack healthy?

A healthy snack offers nutritional value—such as fibre, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins—without loading up on excessive calories, artificial additives, or unhealthy fats, said Shobhit.
A truly healthy snack is one made with clean, nutrient-dense ingredients such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These snacks are free from harmful additives like refined sugar, trans fats, and preservatives. Especially during a weight-loss or fitness journey, such snacks help control hunger, stabilise energy levels, and reduce the risk of overeating. Choosing wholesome snacks ensures that you stay full, focused, and satisfied while maintaining your dietary goals without sacrificing taste, shares Ragini Dhawan.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable rise in awareness around food choices and nutrition. More people now prioritise health and convenience together, turning to clean-label, ready-to-eat options that don’t compromise on quality. With fitness and wellness becoming mainstream, snacks like trail mixes, granola bars, and roasted seeds are becoming daily staples.