The report is based on insights from more than 6,000 respondents across metro, Tier I, Tier II and Tier III cities through online and offline surveys. It highlights that nutrition is no longer seen as a compromise for taste, with consumers increasingly evaluating snacks through their nutritional value.

According to the report, younger consumers aged 16-35 years are more likely to snack to satisfy cravings, while those above 35 years primarily snack for an energy boost. Across age groups, tea time remains the country’s most preferred snacking occasion, followed by mid-morning snacking.

Commenting on the report, Shail Pancholi, Country Director, India, Wonderful Pistachios, said,  “India’s snacking habits are evolving rapidly, with consumers looking for foods that deliver both taste and nutrition. The growing focus on protein, clean ingredients and mindful eating presents a significant opportunity for pistachios to become a more integral part of everyday snacking. High in  plant protein, California Pistachios are well positioned to meet these evolving consumer  preferences while making better snacking more accessible.”

The report notes that California Pistachios, which provide 6 grams of protein per 28-gram serving, are well positioned to meet the growing demand for high-protein snacks.

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With growing demand for convenient and nutritious snacks, the company has positioned Masala Dates as a sweet-savoury, ready-to-eat snack designed for busy lifestyles. Traditionally consumed whole, dates often require deseeding or cutting before consumption. By offering a pre-sliced and deseeded format, the new product aims to eliminate preparation time while enhancing flavour appeal.

The innovation blends the natural sweetness and nutritional benefits of dates with distinctive Indian spice blends, creating a differentiated product in the packaged dates category. The snack is designed not only for direct consumption but also as an ingredient that can be added to breakfast bowls, salads, chaat, or quick recipes.

Unlike conventional date-based products that largely retain their natural sweet profile, MISK’s Masala Dates introduces a bold flavour dimension, tapping into the increasing consumer preference for fusion flavours, clean-label snacks, and convenient nutrition.

The launch also strengthens Apis India’s value-added foods and clean nutrition portfolio, targeting consumers who are experimenting with flavours, looking for healthier alternatives to fried snacks, or seeking quick snack solutions during busy routines.

Commenting on the launch, Amit Anand, Managing Director, Apis India, said, “We are excited to present this latest innovation to consumers. We developed Masala Dates to address everyday convenience and healthy choices without moving away from familiar Indian flavour profiles. The range is intended for consumers who want ready-to-use options that fit into modern routines while offering distinct taste choices.”

Apis India plans to roll out MISK Masala Dates across retail stores, modern trade outlets, and leading e-commerce platforms across India in the coming weeks, strengthening its presence in the healthy snack and packaged dates segment.

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