If you're looking for the **best value** rather than the trendiest packaged snack, these give the most nutrition per rupee in India in 2026: 1. **Roasted chana (whole roasted chickpeas)** — ⭐ Best overall - Cost: ~₹80–180/kg (loose or store brands) - Protein: ~15–20 g/100 g - High in fiber, very filling, minimal processing. - One of the best budget healthy snacks available. 2. **Peanuts (dry roasted, unsalted)** - Cost: ~₹150–250/kg - Protein: ~25 g/100 g - Excellent value, though calorie-dense. Choose unsalted if possible. 3. **Roasted makhana (fox nuts)** - Lighter than peanuts, good fiber and minerals. - Usually costs more than chana but is lower in calories. 4. **Plain popcorn (air-popped or lightly salted)** - High-volume, whole-grain snack. - Better than chips when prepared with little oil. 5. **Fruit + curd** - Banana or apple with plain curd/Greek yogurt provides protein plus fiber and is often more nutritious than packaged snacks. If you prefer **packaged snacks**, these are decent options: ### [Eat Better Co Millet Bhel]() *₹99* ### [Snackible Lemon Chilli Baked Crunchies]() *₹135* ### [Open Secret Healthy Digestive Biscuit]() *₹55* For **maximum nutrition per ₹100 spent**, my ranking is: 1. Roasted chana 2. Dry roasted peanuts 3. Fruit + curd 4. Makhana 5. Air-popped popcorn A useful rule when buying packaged snacks: look for **at least 5 g protein or 3 g fiber per serving**, and avoid products where sugar or refined flour (maida) is among the first ingredients.
Brands named
Sources cited · 3
- Best High-Protein Snacks in India - Healthy Masterhealthymaster.in/blogs/english/best-high-protein-snacks-in-india
- Are "healthy" packaged foods really supporting health? Here's the truthtimesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/are-healthy-packaged-foods-really-supporting-health-heres-the-truth/articleshow/132013336.cms
- The #1 Snack for Better Gut Health, Recommended by a Gastroenterologisteatingwell.com/best-snack-for-gut-health-11981110