In a nation that thrives on its rich culinary traditions and unapologetic love for sweets, the introduction of healthy cookies represents a delicious and wholesome paradox. India, a land of diverse flavours and vibrant culinary heritage, is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its snack culture, where traditional indulgence meets modern wellness.
The appeal of cookies is universal, transcending age, culture, and occasion. However, the paradigm is shifting, as health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking ways to savour their favourite treats without compromising their well-being.
We are set to explore the options for healthy cookies in India and take you along with us. We will delve into these delightful treats, examining the ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences that have shaped this delectable revolution.
From gluten-free oat cookies to sugar-free almond delights, we will uncover a wide array of options that cater to every dietary preference and taste bud.
Join us as we explore the intriguing stories and delightful flavours that have redefined the concept of snacking in the Indian subcontinent.
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Healthy Cookies You Can Buy in India
1. Kikibix 100% Wholegrain Cookies
Kikibix was founded by Dr Ridhi Kaur, a Paediatrician who wanted to fill the void of healthy packaged snacks in the food industry in India. She offers peanut butters in different flavours and healthy cookies made from millets and oats. Not gonna lie, we love their millet chocolate chip cookies.
Free From
Refined Sugar, Atta, Maida, Palm Oil, Preservatives, No Trans Fat
Pros
- They use different flours for cookies, including jowar, ragi and oats
- Includes jaggery instead of refined sugar
- Made using wholegrain flour
- High in proteins and nutrients
Cons
Expensive compared to regular cookies
Why do we recommend Kikibix?
Among the various cookies advertised as healthy, yet actually containing added sugars and refined flours, Kikibix stands out. With the additional bonus of being run by a doctor concerned about children’s nutrition and overall health, we tend to be swayed over to her side. Especially when the cookies taste as good as these.
2. Early Foods Jaggery Millets Cookies
A brand started by a mom-daughter duo specifically targeted at nourishing children instead of fattening them up. They even have national recognition from the Indian government in their pocket, a lofty National Entrepreneurship Award in 2019 awarded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. They use organic millets as the base for their cookies which again bagged them the National Siridhanya Award in 2019 under the Industrious Start-up Award from the IIMR, Indian Institute of Millet Research & the Govt of Karnataka.
Now, let’s leave all that and see why these cookies are so good, shall we?
What are they free from?
Early food cookies do not contain anything that Mrs Shalini, Founder of Early Foods, won’t feed her own child. So they are free from artificial flavours, refined sugars, raising agents, preservatives and refined flours such as maida or atta.
Pros
- Early Foods uses organic millets (100% wholegrains) for flour.
- They are regularly tested for 200+ parameters including 10 heavy metals, 150+ pesticides, artificial flavours, colours, raising agents & preservatives.
- They use jaggery and dates for sweeteners, hence there are no added sugars.
Cons
Too Expensive.
Why do we recommend Early Foods?
First, I’m going to reason their price. They are the healthiest you’ll find in the market and pretty exclusive and hence their high price. Also, as a medical professional, if you ask me to choose a healthy cookie brand, Early Foods is gonna be my first choice. No sugar, soda, artificial flavours or preservatives, and 100% organic millets instead of maida. This is as close to perfect as you can get to perfect packaged healthy cookies or any snacks for that matter.
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3. Nourish Organics Cookies
Nourish Organics has an interesting backstory as well. Seema Jindal, from New Delhi, began Nourish Organics from a small juice cafe that sold raw smoothies and organic breakfast cereals. With the demand for healthy food products, she introduced her first breakfast bar, Apple Cinnamon bar which paved the way for the brand’s growth to where it is today.
To me personally, I appreciate the transparency in ingredients. Their website clearly claims to use organic products but they state their ingredients differ in percentage of how organic each ingredients are. So you can make an informed choice when you are choosing Nourish Organics.
Free From
Gluten, preservatives, refined sugars, refined flours, artificial flavours, trans fat
Pros
- They use organic brown sugar and organic honey instead of refined white sugar.
- Zero trans fat
- Majorly organic ingredients
- Natural ingredients such as figs, almonds, etc for flavours.
- Multiple flavours are available.
Cons
- They may contain a small amount of added sugars.
- Expensive.
Why cookies from Nourish Organics?
These cookies contain wholesome ingredients, 100% organic or not and pretty tasty if any of you are wondering about it. They are mildly sweet and beautifully flavoured with all the natural ingredients such as coconut, almonds, figs, cranberry, ginger oats and buckwheat.
4. Threptin Protein Diskettes
Threptin is a well-known nutrition supplement brand built by Raptakos, Brett & Co.Ltd, a popular name in the pharmaceutical industry. They have been around since the 1950s. They primarily offer protein supplements and cookies which they call “diskettes”. Their diskettes are healthy cookies that incorporate premium quality Casein protein and other vitamins and minerals.
Highlights
Contains added vitamins – Nicotinamide, Thiamine, Riboflavin and vitamin C
Pros
- Apt for those seeking protein supplementation due to health conditions or lack of proper dietary protein
- Made from rice flour
- Easily digested
- User reviews say the cookies taste good
Cons
- Not sugar-free
- Contains added permitted artificial flavours and food colours
Why do we recommend Diskettes?
If you are going to indulge in a cookie or two, you may as well do it with Threptin. It offers you proteins and the sugar you are craving and can still satiate your guilt for cheating on your diet. They also offer a few flavour options – vanilla, chocolate and kesar-pista.
Recommended Article: The Top 12 Dark Chocolates to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
5. Ketofy Coconut Cookies
Wellversed is a company with a wide range of diet-specific brands offering supplements and food products curated specifically for a purpose. Ketofy is one of theirs and focuses on the Keto diet that boomed in popularity during the last few years. Ketofy’s products are all low in carbohydrates and devoid of wheat protein (gluten), sucralose or maltitol to support keto diet plans.
Free From
Artificial isolates, Food colours, Soy, Hydrogenated oils, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Resistant Dextrin, Sucralose, Maltitol (as per brand website)
Pros
- Low carbohydrate content
- Gluten-free to support keto diet plans
- Comes in a tasty coconut flavour with almonds in them
- Tasty and crunchy
Cons
- The packaging says no added sugar but the cookies contain Erythritol
- Again, the brand claims there are no added preservatives, but you can find preservatives mentioned in the ingredient list
Why Ketofy?
As a trusted brand by so many consumers, Ketofy convinces us despite the inconsistencies in the claims mentioned on the brand’s website as opposed to what is actually added to their products. Also, Ketofy cookies appear to be a popular choice among health enthusiasts as one can confirm from the raving reviews online.
In Conclusion,
Snacks and stackable products in India are experiencing a delightful revolution, challenging the traditional notion of indulgence by offering nutritious and flavorful alternatives. As consumers increasingly prioritize their well-being, innovative bakers and entrepreneurs have stepped up to meet the demand, crafting cookies that not only satisfy sweet cravings but also align with health-conscious lifestyles.
The options presented, such as Kikibix and Early Foods, showcase the diversity and creativity in the healthy cookie landscape. Each brand has its unique story, commitment to quality ingredients, and a focus on catering to various dietary preferences.
While some concerns about the cost and potential presence of added sugars or preservatives are raised, the overall trend leans towards transparency, with brands striving to provide cleaner alternatives. The article highlights that consumers can make informed choices based on their preferences and dietary needs.
As the concept of snacking transforms, these healthy cookies not only offer a guilt-free indulgence but also contribute to a broader cultural shift towards mindful eating. In a nation known for its love of sweets, the emergence of these healthy cookies represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modern wellness. Let us know if you tried and loved any of these.
Recommended Article: Dark Chocolate and Weight Loss: Fact or Fiction?
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the healthiest cookie you can eat?
The healthiest cookie can vary based on individual dietary preferences and needs. However, among the options discussed in the article, brands like Early Foods and Kikibix offer cookies made from organic millets, wholegrain flour, and natural sweeteners like jaggery, making them nutritious alternatives.
2. Are cookies a healthy snack?
Traditional cookies often contain high levels of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and refined flour, making them less suitable as a healthy snack. However, the article explores a new wave of healthy cookies crafted by innovative bakers in India. These alternatives, such as those from Early Foods, Nourish Organics, and others, focus on using wholesome ingredients, making them a healthier choice for snacking.
3. What is a healthy alternative to cookies?
Healthy alternatives to traditional cookies include snacks made from whole grains, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. In the context of the article, options like gluten-free oat cookies, sugar-free almond delights, or snacks made from organic millets, as offered by brands like Kikibix, Early Foods, and Nourish Organics, serve as nutritious alternatives to conventional cookies.
4. What is unhealthy in cookies?
Unhealthy aspects of traditional cookies often include high levels of refined sugars, saturated fats, and refined flour. These ingredients contribute to excess calories, a spike in blood sugar, and potential health issues. Healthier alternatives aim to eliminate or reduce these elements, opting for natural sweeteners, whole grains, and nutrient-dense ingredients.
5. Is it okay to have a cookie every day?
The frequency of consuming cookies depends on the overall balance of one’s diet and individual health goals. While traditional cookies may not be suitable for daily consumption due to their often high sugar and fat content, the healthier alternatives presented in the article provide an option for those looking to enjoy a cookie daily. However, moderation is key, and it’s essential to consider the overall nutritional intake to maintain a well-balanced diet.
