Ah yes, the age of the internet. It’s made finding information, ideas and healthy snacks online easier than ever. As the world trends more and more towards convenience, people are getting more unhealthy. This is due in part to the availability of cheap, processed snacks and foods.
That being said, there are still plenty of places to get healthy snacks online, for those of us that want to stay in good shape and maintain our health. We’ll discover what is behind the growth of healthy snacks online, as well as how to choose the best snacks when shopping online (and where to get them in India).
A Healthy Market
The global healthy snacks market was valued at approximately INR 846,000 crore in 2024, with projections to reach INR 1,553,500 crore by 2034, growing at about 6.2% annual CAGR. It's a big market, and it’s getting bigger. This is due in large part to the continued expansion of online ecommerce, and the millions of new people every year who are getting access to the internet. Digital channels now capture 31–38% of global healthy snack sales, especially among tech-savvy and health-conscious consumers.
What is Causing the Growth of Healthy Snacks Online?
1. Whole ingredients that prioritize health, not just flavor
You and I are no longer content with empty-calorie snacks. We're increasingly looking for snacks that make us feel good, not greasy and certainly not guilty for eating them. Snacks fortified with protein, fiber, probiotics and BCAAs are becoming more popular.
Protein snacks are expanding beyond bars into chips, popcorn, cookies, and more, often using diverse sources like hemp, pea, and even cricket flour. Whilst some of these new snacks are gimmicks (like protein gummy candy), some of them are certainly here to stay as new healthy snack alternatives.
Gut-friendly snacks enriched with probiotics and prebiotics, such as kimchi chips or fermented crackers are gaining traction, thanks to rising interest in digestive wellness. These healthier snacks also help you reduce bloating and feelings of heartburn that other more processed options can cause.
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and proteins.
2. Clean Labels and Transparency
Modern consumers demand simplicity, and transparency. Snacks with short, recognizable (and pronouncable) ingredient lists and a lack of artificial additives are starting to win favor amongst consumers. Clean branding, nutritional claims, and ingredient sourcing transparency are powerful selling points. We at Eatabbly believe this, and create our snacks with high quality, whole ingredients.
3. Healthy Snacks, Healthy Planet
Eco-conscious snacking is now mainstream. Brands are starting to adopt compostable or biodegradable packaging, as well as sourcing more of their ingredients from environmentally clean suppliers. It is not only you that benefits from more healthy snacking, but also the planet and the societies within it. Less individual health problems lead to less strain on healthcare and other social systems.
4. Healthy Snacks Just Taste Better Now
Gone are the chalky protein bars and the flavorless “health” chips. Healthy snacks online have started to taste better, leading to more people discovering them, and more importantly, rebuying them. This, combined with their better taste, means you no longer have to choose between the healthy option and the tasty one – you get both in the same package.
Shop Eatabbly's range of premium nuts
Why Online Shopping Works is Perfect For Healthy Snacking
- Convenience: With just a click, you can shop for healthy snacks and have them delivered to your doorstep. You are also spoiled for choice; protein bars, nut mixes, dried fruit, rice cakes etc.
- Curated & Specialized Retailers: Websites like: Snackible, Eatabbly and Healthmaster offer a wide range of healthy and delicious snacks, including ragi chips, cheesy cashews, bakarwadi and more. There are a lot of great options out there for all kinds of tastes and dietary requirements.
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Discovery & Variety: Online platforms grant access to niche, functional, and international snacks that might be hard to find locally
Tips for Finding the Best Healthy Snacks Online
1. Check for Functional Claims
Look for keywords like “protein-packed,” “gut health,” or “adaptogen blend”. Stay mindful of the fact that some of the claims are marketing terms. Nonetheless, this serves as a good starting point when looking for good healthy snacks online.
2. Check the ingredient list
Prioritize snacks with short, natural ingredient lists. Avoid artificial additives. It is also best to avoid foods that are made through heavily processed means, as this can negate the positive properties of whole ingredients.
3. Look at the Packaging
Resealable pouches or single-serve options help with portion control and convenience. Eatabbly offers nut mixes in perfectly portioned packets, making it perfect for snacking on the go.
4. Read Customer Reviews
Get real feedback on taste, texture, and shipping experience especially for emerging online brands. You can also get a better idea of what the must-try snacks of the brand are.
5. Ask Your Friends
Chances are, you share something in common with your friends. They may just have an awesome taste in snacks. Just make sure their suggestion is aligned with your goals.
6. Consider Subscription or Bundle Deals
Some websites offer curated healthy snack boxes or subscriptions which are perfect for discovering your next snack staple or gifting to friends. Some websites also offer a discovery box/package, where you can sample the brand's iconic snacks and bestsellers.
