9 healthy, guilt-free snacks for chai time

Time of India

15-07-2025

Some snacks are just here for vibes. Others? They're dragging your metabolism through the mud and leaving your energy levels on 'meh.' You're sipping your evening chai — innocent, pure, aromatic — and bam, out comes a biscuit avalanche, a mountain of bhujia, and emotional damage in the form of pakoras.
Let's
upgrade your tea break
without killing the vibe. These
healthy chai snack alternatives
bring the flavour, the crunch, the satisfaction — minus the oil spill and post-snack guilt spiral. They're smart, snappy, and just bougie enough to make you feel like someone who owns matching glass jars.
9 healthy snacks that pair perfectly with your chai including roasted chana, fruit chaat, and more
Roasted chana
Crunchy. High-protein. Low-effort.
The Beyoncé of Indian snacks. Roasted chana gives you
fibre, satiety,
and the illusion of eating something fried — but it's secretly healthy.
No crumbs, no bloating, just pure legume excellence.
Your chai deserves this level of loyalty.
Mixed nuts
Almonds, walnuts, cashews
— the nut fam is rich, in both nutrients and energy. They've got the
good fats, brain fuel,
and that addictive crunch. Portion control, though, because they're healthy, not invisible. You're not building a squirrel's winter stash.
Makhana
Light, crispy, and oddly addictive, roasted makhana is the snack that says, 'I take care of myself but still crave spice.'
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Add turmeric, a dash of pink salt, or even peri-peri if you're chaotic. It's
low-cal
but high in flex.
Pair with elaichi chai and call it wellness.
Hummus + veggie sticks
Chickpeas went to Europe and came back with a glow-up. Hummus is creamy,
protein-rich,
and way too satisfying when dunked with
crunchy cucumber
or
carrot sticks.
It's giving snack board energy on a broke-but-healthy budget.
Whole wheat khakhra
Khakhra is your Gujarati bestie who shows up with 0 drama and 100% texture. Choose
methi, jeera
, or
plain
.
Toast it, spread a little curd-based dip, and pretend you're eating nachos — just... smarter. This is what self-respect tastes like.
Fruit chaat
Fruits dressed in lemon, a pinch of black salt, and a responsible amount of masala? Now we're talking.
Apple, papaya, pomegranate
— a rainbow of fibre and flavour. Just don't drown it in chaat masala or you'll be more bloated than blessed.
Greek yoghurt with chia or flax
It's like dessert, but with a resume. Greek yoghurt gives you
probiotics
and
protein
.
Chia
or
flax
seeds are a source of
omega-3s
and crunch. Add a drip of honey if your sweet tooth refuses to mind its business.
This one's for the gut girlies and glow seekers.
Sprout salad
Sprouted moong with onions, tomato, lemon, and zero nonsense. It's the 'I meal prep and meditate' of snacks.
Full of
fiber, antioxidants
, and enough crunch to feel sinful — except it's pure virtue. Pack it cold, eat it fresh, feel smug about your decisions.
Rice cake with peanut butter
For those moments when you crave something carby and comforting but don't want to spiral.
Rice cakes bring the crunch, peanut butter brings the creamy drama. It's like the biscuit-peanut combo grew up, went to therapy, and discovered
portion control.
Also read | Why we really crave comfort food: New study reveals the psychology behind emotional eating