6 Evening Snacks That Are Actually Good For Your Health
Harsh Raj | Feb 04, 2026, 16:04 IST
Dhokla
Image credit : Pixabay
Indian snacks often get a bad reputation for being oily and unhealthy, but that is not the full truth. Many traditional Indian snacks are packed with nutrition when prepared the right way. This article explores six Indian snacks that are filling, wholesome, and genuinely good for your health, making everyday snacking smarter and guilt free.
Snacking is a daily habit in Indian households, whether it is a mid morning craving, evening hunger, or late night munching. The problem is not snacking itself but the kind of snacks we choose. Deep fried and processed options dominate the market, yet Indian kitchens have always had nutritious snack choices rooted in tradition. These snacks are rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making them satisfying and beneficial when eaten in moderation.
Roasted chana is one of the most underrated Indian snacks when it comes to health. It is rich in plant based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. This snack keeps you full for longer, controls sudden hunger pangs, and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Unlike packaged snacks, roasted chana has a low glycemic load which supports stable blood sugar levels. It is especially beneficial for students, office workers, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a crunchy yet nutritious snack.
Murmura also known as puffed rice is light on the stomach and surprisingly filling when combined with vegetables. When prepared as dry bhel using onions, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted peanuts, lemon juice, and minimal oil, it becomes a nutrient rich snack. Murmura is low in calories, easy to digest, and ideal for weight conscious individuals. The vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants while peanuts contribute healthy fats and protein.
Moong dal chilla is a protein dense Indian snack that works equally well as a light meal. Made from soaked moong dal, it is rich in fiber, iron, and essential amino acids. This snack supports muscle repair, boosts metabolism, and keeps you full for hours. Since it is cooked on a pan with very little oil, it is easy on digestion and suitable for people of all ages. Pairing it with curd or mint chutney enhances both taste and nutritional value.
Makhana or fox nuts have become a popular healthy snack in recent years for a good reason. They are low in fat, rich in calcium, and contain antioxidants that support heart health. Roasted makhana seasoned lightly with spices makes a crunchy snack that satisfies cravings without excess calories. It is especially beneficial for people managing weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. Makhana also supports bone health and improves digestion.
Dhokla is a steamed snack made from fermented batter, usually gram flour or rice lentils mix. The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption and supports gut health. Dhokla is light, soft, and easy to digest while being rich in protein and probiotics. It is a great snack option for people with sensitive digestion and those looking for something filling without heaviness. Steaming instead of frying makes it heart friendly and low in oil.
Sweet potato chaat combines nutrition with flavor and nostalgia. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. When boiled and mixed with lemon juice, chaat masala, onions, and coriander, they make a wholesome snack that boosts immunity and provides long lasting energy. This snack is especially beneficial during winters and for people with active lifestyles. It also supports gut health and healthy skin.
Healthy snacking does not mean giving up taste or tradition. Indian cuisine offers a wide range of snacks that are both satisfying and nourishing when prepared mindfully. By choosing roasted, steamed, and naturally rich options over processed foods, you can enjoy snacking while supporting your overall health. These traditional snacks prove that eating smart can still be deeply comforting and enjoyable.
Roasted Chana
Roasted Chana Snack
Image credit : Pexels
Roasted chana is one of the most underrated Indian snacks when it comes to health. It is rich in plant based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. This snack keeps you full for longer, controls sudden hunger pangs, and helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Unlike packaged snacks, roasted chana has a low glycemic load which supports stable blood sugar levels. It is especially beneficial for students, office workers, and fitness enthusiasts looking for a crunchy yet nutritious snack.
Murmura Bhel
Healthy Murmura Bhel<br>
Image credit : Pixabay
Murmura also known as puffed rice is light on the stomach and surprisingly filling when combined with vegetables. When prepared as dry bhel using onions, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted peanuts, lemon juice, and minimal oil, it becomes a nutrient rich snack. Murmura is low in calories, easy to digest, and ideal for weight conscious individuals. The vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants while peanuts contribute healthy fats and protein.
Moong Dal Chilla
Moong Dal Chilla by AI<br>
Image credit : Freepik
Moong dal chilla is a protein dense Indian snack that works equally well as a light meal. Made from soaked moong dal, it is rich in fiber, iron, and essential amino acids. This snack supports muscle repair, boosts metabolism, and keeps you full for hours. Since it is cooked on a pan with very little oil, it is easy on digestion and suitable for people of all ages. Pairing it with curd or mint chutney enhances both taste and nutritional value.
Makhana
Roasted Makhana Snack
Image credit : Pixabay
Makhana or fox nuts have become a popular healthy snack in recent years for a good reason. They are low in fat, rich in calcium, and contain antioxidants that support heart health. Roasted makhana seasoned lightly with spices makes a crunchy snack that satisfies cravings without excess calories. It is especially beneficial for people managing weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. Makhana also supports bone health and improves digestion.
Dhokla
Steamed Dhokla
Image credit : Pixabay
Dhokla is a steamed snack made from fermented batter, usually gram flour or rice lentils mix. The fermentation process enhances nutrient absorption and supports gut health. Dhokla is light, soft, and easy to digest while being rich in protein and probiotics. It is a great snack option for people with sensitive digestion and those looking for something filling without heaviness. Steaming instead of frying makes it heart friendly and low in oil.
Sweet Potato Chaat
Sweet Potato Chaat by AI
Image credit : Freepik
Sweet potato chaat combines nutrition with flavor and nostalgia. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. When boiled and mixed with lemon juice, chaat masala, onions, and coriander, they make a wholesome snack that boosts immunity and provides long lasting energy. This snack is especially beneficial during winters and for people with active lifestyles. It also supports gut health and healthy skin.
Healthy Indian Snacks You Can Eat Without Guilt
Healthy snacking does not mean giving up taste or tradition. Indian cuisine offers a wide range of snacks that are both satisfying and nourishing when prepared mindfully. By choosing roasted, steamed, and naturally rich options over processed foods, you can enjoy snacking while supporting your overall health. These traditional snacks prove that eating smart can still be deeply comforting and enjoyable.