Healthy Indian Snacks That Beat Protein Bars

Protein bars are becoming more and more popular with people looking for a convenient way to increase their daily protein intake. However, many commercially packaged protein bars also contain high-fructose corn syrup, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients. Fortunately, there are many natural high-protein snacks made from Indian foods that can provide similar benefits to protein bars while adding taste and nutrition to an individual’s diet.

For example, for vegetarians looking for high-protein Indian snacks, traditional Indian high-protein snacks can be considered healthier alternatives than processed high-protein bars.

There are also a number of reasons why choosing natural protein snacks is better than choosing processed protein snacks.

Whole food sources of protein often contain other nutrients in addition to protein. These other nutrients consist of:

• Fiber
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Healthy fats
• Antioxidants

When compared to commercial high-protein snacks (such as protein bars), a natural protein snack will typically contain lower levels of added sugars and artificial additives than commercially produced high-protein snacks.

Therefore, choosing to eat whole foods can contribute to better overall health and help an individual meet his or her daily protein needs.

Roasted chana (roasted chickpea) is one of the simplest and least expensive high-protein snacks available.

The benefits of eating roasted chana are:

• A good source of protein
• High in fibre
• Easy to carry
• Low in fat

A small amount of roasted chana can satisfy hunger and provide sustained energy between meals.

Sprouted moong is a very good source of protein.

A basic sprouted chaat can contain:

• Germinated, raw mung beans
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Lemon juice
• Fresh herbs

Sprouts can help increase nutrient availability, plus the added crunch from the fresh sprouts will make the chaat much more enjoyable.

Peanuts are naturally high in protein and healthy fats; they become a traditional energy snack when combined with jaggery. The health benefits include:

• Plant-based protein
• Healthy fats
• Mineral content from jaggery
• Long shelf life

Because of these benefits, chikki is a great alternative to many other packaged protein products.

Chilla or cheela is an Indian snack and is made from gram flour (besan) and is a versatile snack option that packs a punch in protein. The addition of vegetables like:

• Spinach
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Carrot

Will also contribute to a healthier snack option when compared to traditional potato chips, which make for a great on-the-road snack.

Sattu is made from roasted chickpeas and is known to be full of protein and health benefits. It can be consumed as a:

• Refreshing drink
• Energy balls or laddus
• Satisfying snack between meals

Sattu has been widely discussed as a good source of protein for vegetarian families and has been used by Indian families for generations.

Paneer is one of the most popular forms of protein; this makes for an all-time favorite protein-rich cubed herbed snack.

They can be enjoyed as a quick snack option with little preparation time required.

DIY-style trail mix is a great way to get a well-rounded snack with both protein and healthy fats.

Consider including:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Almonds
• Peanuts/ground nuts
• Cashews

Compared to pre-made bars from the store, when you make your own trail mix, you have total control over what’s in it.

Soy products are among the most plentiful sources of plant-based protein on the planet.

Both toasted soybeans and boiled edamame are excellent snacks that provide:

• High protein content
• Plenty of fibre

A variety of important nutrients

These snack options have become increasingly popular with fitness enthusiasts and those following vegetarian diets.

Traditional Indian foods are generally natural (as compared to processed protein bars) and typically offer:

• Fewer artificial ingredients
• A wider variety of nutrients
• Better taste
• A lower cost
• Greater familiarity

Many of these traditional foods have been consumed for hundreds of years and continue to promote healthy eating habits today.

To increase your overall daily protein intake:

• Include a source of protein in every snack you eat.
• Try different varieties of foods to achieve variety in your snacking routine.
• Pair your protein with fruits and vegetables.
• Choose whole/unprocessed foods whenever possible.
• Regularly monitor serving sizes.

Protein bars may be handy; however, traditional Indian snacks often tend to be a more wholesome and organic alternative. Nutritious snacks such as roasted chana, sprouted moong, paneer, sattu, and peanuts contain plenty of protein along with other essential nutrients.

In case you wish to incorporate additional vegetarian protein sources Indian into your vegetarian diet, these nutritious snacks can serve as enjoyable ways to help meet your daily protein intake requirements, while still helping you avoid the negative aspects related to eating highly processed foods.