Yummiano’s healthy and guilt-free twist to India’s snack ‘Bhujia’

Yummiano, a Delhi-based young startup, is launching a diverse range of healthy Bhujia made out of Beetroot, Ragi, Quinoa, Oats, Moong Dal, and Palak. Bhujia has always been the most commonly preferred snack in Indian households and is prepared using moth beans, chickpea flour, and spices. Originating from Bikaner, a city in Rajasthan, Bhujia is a fondly preferred savory snack and contributes a good share in the overall Namkeen category. However, the ongoing circumstances have made the trend of ‘mindful eating’ prevalent among a large section of the population who were once not even conscious about the ingredients used to make the final product. Hence, the landscape of snacking has undergone a drastic change as per the changing consumer needs.

Yummiano is heralding the much-needed change with their innovative choice of ingredients and finished products. Indians are looking for nutrient-rich alternatives that don’t let them compromise on taste and ensure they are munching on healthy products. Elaborating more on the brand’s vision to experiment with popular Indian snacks like Bhujia, Vipul Gambhir, business head of Yummiano, said, “Yummiano Bhujia is not healthy merely because of the nutrient-rich ingredients used, but also the process employed to make the final recipe. Our snacks are vacuum fried, which utilizes 70% less oil, and also frying at a lower temperature for a stipulated time leads to the nutrient value of the ingredients staying intact.”

Gambhir adds, “Our diverse range of guilt-free indulgences do not contain any artificial color, preservatives, or chemical which makes them cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free. The snacks are ideal munching choices due to their gluten-free nature, and non-GMO characteristic suitable for consumption in adults and children.”

“We were looking at being present across India by June this year, but things look difficult given the current pandemic. However, we are all set to launch our Bhujia range, and we are very excited about it. The idea is to change the mindset and drive consumers towards healthy yet tasty snacks. We are getting great responses for our existing products through e-commerce, and we are positive about Bhujia also.” shares Sugandh Chhetri, sales head of Yummiano.

In the new range of Bhujia launched, the most eye-catching product is Beetroot Bhujia, the unique color looks tempting because of the core ingredient beetroot, not because of any artificial or synthetic color used. Quinoa Bhujia is rich in antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol and has a high fiber content. The antioxidants help protect individuals from a range of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers, including those of the skin and liver. Quercetin may also help boost the body’s defenses against infection and inflammation.

Ragi (Millet), being the core ingredient in one of the Bhujia ranges, is a multi-value ingredient. It is a starchy, protein-rich grain, providing plenty of phosphorus and magnesium, and finger millet packs contain more calcium than any other cereal. Millet is also known to be a gluten-free grain rich in antioxidants, soluble fiber, and protein. In particular, it helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The remaining two categories of Bhujia made from oats and beetroot contain compounds that help reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and boost liver function. Beetroot is also rich in nitrates which help increase blood flow to the brain in older people and slows cognitive decline.

Yummiano has recently launched rajma chips, moong dal chips, brown rice chips, beetroot chips, and various other healthy snacks. The product range is presently available in premium grocery stores in Delhi-NCR and Punjab and online stores like Amazon and Flipkart while expanding distribution in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat is in process.