Assessment of Nutrition Labels for Quality and Claim Compliance of Packaged Savory Snacks Sold in the Indian Market

Abstract Background: The high-fat, salt, sugar food market is growing in India, which is linked to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Materials and Methods: An e-market survey conducted during May–July 2024 focused on evaluating the nutritional quality of packaged savory snacks sold in the Indian e-market. The data from the front and back-of-labels of 873 packaged savory snacks from 40 different categories was extracted from the manufacturer websites, Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart, and Blink It. Results: The snacks were found to be “source of protein” (93%) and “source of dietary fiber” (86%). However, 84% of the snacks had higher fat, and 75% of the snacks had high saturated fatty acid (SFA) content. Mathri had the highest fat (59/100 g), Bhujia had the highest SFA (37.7/100 g). Edible oil was the second ingredient in 60% of the products. “Salted nuts” had the highest %E from fat (71.6%). Though the “grain puffs” had a low %E from fat (11.7%), the %E from carbohydrate was higher (77.4%). Nutritional content claims and their compliance were evaluated based on the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India guidelines. The “low-fat” and “low-SFA” claims were present only in three and one product, respectively. Out of 107 “cholesterol-free” claims declared, only two complied, since the SFA content exceeded the regulatory limit (>1.5 g/100 g) in other products. Conclusions: The study emphasizes on the need for low-fat and low-sodium snack options and the exploration of alternative processing technologies to develop such snacks. A multisectoral approach involving food scientists, technologists, healthcare professionals, food safety authorities, and policymakers is essential for modifying the Indian savory snack landscape.