If your goal is **maximum nutrition per rupee**, these are hard to beat in India in 2026: 1. **Roasted chana (bhuna chana)** — My top recommendation. - ₹60–120/kg in bulk - ~20 g protein and high fiber per 100 g - Very filling and shelf-stable - Excellent value compared with packaged "healthy" snacks. 2. **Peanuts (dry roasted, unsalted)** - ₹150–250/kg - High in protein and healthy fats - Best eaten in moderate portions (25–30 g). 3. **Roasted makhana** - Lower calories than many fried snacks - Good for light snacking, though more expensive than chana. 4. **Seasonal fruit** (banana, guava, apple when on sale) - Excellent source of vitamins and fiber. - Bananas are usually among the cheapest healthy snacks. If you want **packaged snacks**, look for: - Roasted chana - Roasted soybean - Roasted millet mixes - Baked khakhra - Air-popped popcorn - Products with short ingredient lists and without excessive added sugar. Indian consumers are increasingly choosing high-protein, clean-label snacks in 2026. For example, this is an inexpensive packaged option: ### [Let's Try Roasted Chana]() *₹71* **Overall value ranking (best → good):** 1. Roasted chana ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. Dry roasted peanuts ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 3. Seasonal fruit ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4. Roasted soybean ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 5. Roasted makhana ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ For most people, **roasted chana** remains the best combination of **price, protein, fiber, satiety, and convenience**.
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- Tired Of Junk Food? These 10 Traditional Indian Snacks Are Healthier Choicesnews.abplive.com/lifestyle/tired-of-junk-food-these-10-traditional-indian-snacks-are-healthier-choices-1850189/amp
- Healthy Snacks India — 10 Low-Calorie Options Under 100 Cal – InstaCuppa Storeinstacuppastore.com/blogs/main-page/healthy-snacks-india-low-calorie-options-popcorn-ranks
- Protein & clean labels priorities in snacking; quick commerce fuelling healthy snacking: Farmley reportm.economictimes.com/industry/services/retail/protein-clean-labels-priorities-in-snacking-quick-commerce-fuelling-healthy-snacking-farmley-report/articleshow/132234737.cms