Are Health Gummies Safe? Exploring India’s Top Nutrition Gummy Brands

Metabolism is the process through which the body converts food into energy. It helps the body burn calories, digest meals properly, and keep energy levels steady throughout the day. A healthy metabolism supports daily activities and overall balance. No single drink can change metabolism overnight. However, certain drinks can support the body when paired with good food habits and regular physical movement. Across different cultures, traditional drinks have been linked to digestion and energy for generations. These drinks are often made from simple, natural ingredients. Green tea, jeera water, and similar beverages are easy to prepare and affordable. They fit well into daily routines without major lifestyle changes. When consumed at the right time, they may support digestion and help the body use nutrients more efficiently.

These drinks do not work as quick solutions. Their benefits come with regular and mindful use. When combined with balanced meals, proper sleep, and light exercise, they support overall wellness. This article highlights some of the most popular drinks known to support a stronger metabolism. It also explains how they can be included in everyday life in a practical and sustainable way.

1. Warm Water with Lemon

Warm water with lemon is one of the most commonly consumed morning drinks. It is simple, refreshing, and easy on the stomach. Drinking warm water after waking up helps the body rehydrate after long hours of sleep. Lemon adds vitamin C and a mild cleansing effect. This drink is often linked with better digestion. It helps stimulate digestive juices and prepares the gut for the day. While lemon water does not burn fat directly, it supports hydration, which plays a key role in metabolic functions. For best results, it is usually consumed on an empty stomach in the morning. Avoid adding sugar or honey if the goal is metabolic balance. Fresh lemon works best.

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2. Green Tea

Green tea is widely known for its antioxidant content. It contains catechins, which are natural compounds linked to improved fat oxidation. Green tea is often preferred by people looking to support metabolism without strong stimulants. This drink may help the body use stored fat more efficiently during physical activity. It also supports heart health and overall wellness. Unlike sugary drinks, green tea is low in calories and fits well into daily routines. Green tea can be consumed in the morning or mid-day. It is best taken plain, without sugar or artificial sweeteners. Two to three cups a day are usually considered moderate.

3. Black Coffee (Without Sugar)

Black coffee is known for its caffeine content. Caffeine may help increase alertness and temporarily boost calorie burning. Many people consume black coffee before workouts to improve focus and energy. When taken without sugar or cream, black coffee is low in calories. It may help support metabolic activity by increasing thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in the body. Moderation is important. Too much caffeine can cause restlessness and poor sleep, which can negatively affect metabolism. One to two cups a day is often enough. It is best avoided late in the evening.

4. Ginger Tea

Ginger has been used in traditional diets for centuries. Ginger tea is known for its warming effect on the body. It may help improve digestion and reduce bloating. This warming effect is often linked to better metabolic activity. Ginger may also help regulate appetite and improve gut movement. A healthy gut supports better nutrient absorption, which plays a role in metabolic health. Ginger tea can be consumed after meals or in the evening. Fresh ginger is preferred over packaged mixes. Avoid adding sugar to keep the drink effective.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

Apple cider vinegar is often discussed in relation to digestion and appetite control. When diluted with water, it is commonly consumed before meals. It may help slow stomach emptying, which can promote a feeling of fullness. This drink is sometimes linked with better blood sugar balance after meals. Stable blood sugar levels support consistent energy and metabolic balance. Apple cider vinegar should always be diluted. Drinking it undiluted can harm teeth and the stomach lining. One teaspoon in a glass of water is usually enough. It should not be consumed excessively.

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6. Protein Smoothies

Protein plays a key role in metabolism. The body uses more energy to digest protein compared to fats or carbohydrates. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass, and muscle supports higher metabolic activity. Protein smoothies are a convenient way to include quality protein in the diet. They are often consumed as breakfast or post-workout drinks. Ingredients may include milk, yogurt, plant-based protein, fruits, and seeds. Avoid adding too much sugar or syrups. A balanced smoothie supports metabolism without adding empty calories. Homemade versions are usually better than packaged ones.

7. Jeera (Cumin) Water

Jeera water is a traditional Indian drink known for its digestive benefits. Cumin seeds are rich in compounds that support digestion and gut health. This drink is commonly consumed in the morning or before meals. Jeera water may help reduce bloating and improve enzyme activity in the digestive system. Better digestion supports better metabolic function over time. To prepare jeera water, cumin seeds are soaked overnight or boiled in water. It is affordable, easy to prepare, and widely used in Indian households.

Best Time to Consume These Drinks

Timing plays an important role in how these drinks affect the body.

• Morning is ideal for warm water with lemon, jeera water, and green tea.

• Before meals works well for apple cider vinegar drinks.

• Post-workout is a good time for protein smoothies.

• Mid-day suits green tea or black coffee.

• Evening is best for ginger tea or other non-caffeinated options.

Choosing the right time helps the body respond better and avoids unnecessary strain.

Key Tips for Better Results

Consistency matters more than quantity.

• Avoid adding sugar to health drinks.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Combine drinks with balanced meals.

• Regular physical movement supports metabolic health.

Drinks work best when they are part of a healthy lifestyle, not a replacement for food or exercise.

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Stay Healthy!

A stronger metabolism is built slowly over time. It depends on daily food choices, regular habits, good sleep, and simple movement. No single drink can change the body overnight. But the right drinks can support the process in a natural way. From green tea to jeera water, these drinks are easy to add to daily life. They support digestion and help the body feel lighter. Many of them also help maintain steady energy through the day. When the digestive system works better, the body uses nutrients more efficiently. This supports overall balance. These drinks work best when consumed regularly and with care. They are not quick fixes. They are small, healthy habits. Over time, these habits add up. A healthy metabolism is not built on shortcuts or trends. It is shaped by steady choices made every day. Simple routines, followed consistently, make the real difference.

The healthy eating trend, long established in the food and beverage sector, is now becoming more visible in India’s café space. Coffee conversations are shifting away from strength and intensity towards how a cup feels over time: on the stomach, energy levels, and daily routines.

This shift is playing out alongside a fast-growing coffee market. India’s coffee industry, valued at USD 1.82 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2030, while the specialty coffee segment is expected to more than double to USD 6.28 billion, according to Grand View Research.

Operators say this growth is no longer driven by flavour experimentation or café aesthetics. “People are less obsessed with ‘strong’ now and more curious about how coffee makes them feel,” said Dhiraj Agrawal, Founder of Ground Zero Coffee Roasters. 

Customers, he noted, increasingly describe their experience in physical terms: whether a cup feels acidic, jitter-inducing, or comfortably energising, signalling a more intuitive, body-led approach to consumption.

Wellness Without Label

While the global narrative often frames this shift under the umbrella of “functional coffee,” Indian operators remain cautious about adopting the terminology outright. 

At Roastea, the focus remains firmly on taste-first comfort. “Our guests are not very coffee-specific or driven by gut health or energy-level considerations. They come here for comfort in a cup. Taste is what ultimately matters to them,” shared Karthikeyan NR, Head Barista Trainer, Beverages and Innovation at Roastea.

Yet, even as cafes downplay explicit health positioning, the broader consumer environment tells a different story. India’s functional drinks market is estimated at USD 3.79 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double by 2030, while the functional beverages category could grow to USD 16.25 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group.

So, it is clear that wellness is shaping choices, but quietly. “In India, it won’t be marketed loudly as ‘functional’. It’ll just become better, more balanced coffee,” Agrawal explained, adding that cafés succeeding in this space will be those whose offerings fit seamlessly into daily life without side effects or overt claims.

Rethinking Coffee

For some players, the answer lies not in adding ingredients but in rethinking coffee from the ground up. Shruti Ajmera Reddy, CEO of BeWild Coffee by Beforest, said customer awareness is increasingly tied to origin and processing rather than caffeine levels. 

“Many consumers associate better-grown and well-processed coffees with fewer discomforts, even if they don’t articulate it in scientific terms,” she added.

Beforest’s approach centres on farm-level and post-harvest innovation, including controlled fermentation and anaerobic-style processing to improve balance and clarity in the cup. “If farming practices, processing, and fermentation improve balance and reduce harshness that aligns with our philosophy,” Reddy noted, emphasising that any experimentation must remain intrinsic to the coffee rather than layered on top. For her, credibility in wellness-aligned coffee comes from transparency and traceability, not from turning coffee into a supplement.

This philosophy reflects a broader sentiment among roasters that long-term scale will depend on improving drinkability rather than chasing novelty.

New Formats, Familiar Rituals

In the café ecosystem, operators are responding to these evolving preferences through format diversification. At Ground Zero, customer feedback from those unable to handle heavy espresso daily prompted a shift towards filter-forward brews and more balanced roast profiles. Agrawal mentioned that the intent was not innovation for its own sake, but to make coffee more sustainable as an everyday habit.

Roastea, meanwhile, has expanded beyond traditional espresso-based offerings to include barrel-aged cold brews and a wide range of manual brewing methods. According to Karthikeyan, this reflects both competitive pressure and a more informed customer base. 

As Indian metros move firmly into what he described as the third wave of coffee, with early signs of a fourth-wave micro-niche, consumers are increasingly open to exploring how brewing techniques affect flavour, mouthfeel, and comfort.

These shifts are supported by rising domestic consumption, which reached 96,000 tonnes in 2024, up 5.5 per cent year-on-year, alongside plans by the Coffee Board to expand café outlets across the country. 

Functional Coffee and Regulatory Guardrails

While ingredient-led functional coffee remains a small niche, its presence is growing. Mushroom-infused coffees, chicory-based blends, and low-acidity positioning are already visible in India, mirroring a global market where mushroom coffee alone is estimated at over USD 2.7 billion. However, operators are acutely aware of regulatory guardrails.

“As brands add novel botanicals or fungi, labelling and permissible health claims become a key constraint,” said Vikram Khurana, CEO of Kaapi Solutions. He argued that any health- or function-led concept must feel intuitive rather than medicinal, balancing consumer acceptance with operational simplicity. Consistency, ingredient integrity, and compliance with FSSAI guidelines, including caffeine limits and approval norms for new ingredients, are critical to scalability. 

Khurana believed that by 2026, wellness-aligned coffee would move closer to the mainstream in urban India, but only if it integrates naturally into café culture. “Consumers are open to better-for-you options, but they won’t compromise on taste or experience,” he said, adding that subtlety and education will determine which concepts endure.

Across the ecosystem, there is broad agreement that functional coffee in India will not explode overnight. Instead, it is likely to surface first as limited-time offerings, alternate brews, or quietly reformulated core products. Whether through improved processing, gentler brewing methods, or carefully curated ingredient additions, the emphasis remains on making coffee easier to live with.

Oats have become one of the most popular breakfast choices in India. More people today are looking for meals that are healthy, light, and easy to prepare. This trend is visible in homes, offices, gyms, and even small-town kitchens. Oats fit perfectly into this shift because they are nutritious, quick to cook, and versatile. They help with weight management, support digestion, and are good for heart health. The mild taste of oats makes them easy to include in Indian recipes such as upma, chilla, masala oats, or porridge.

Indian consumers now have a variety of oats brands to choose from. Each brand offers something unique while maintaining quality and taste. This guide highlights the top six oats brands in India that are trusted and widely used. The brands are Quaker, Saffola, Kellogg’s, Bagrry’s, True Elements, and Yogabar. They are known for their nutrition, consistency, and suitability for everyday use. This guide is useful for both first-time buyers and regular oat consumers. It provides simple, authentic information to help people choose the right brand. Oats are now an easy, healthy, and convenient choice for the Indian breakfast table.

Why Indians Love Oats Today

Healthy eating has become a big part of our routine. People now look for foods that are nutritious but also simple to prepare. Oats check all these boxes.

Here are the reasons why oats are becoming a part of everyday Indian meals:

• Quick to cook: Most oat packs cook in just 3–5 minutes. This works well for busy families and working professionals.
• High in fibre: Oats support smooth digestion. They keep you full for long hours and help reduce cravings.
• Great for weight-loss diets: Fitness-focused Indians prefer oats because they are light and low in fat.
• Fits Indian recipes: From masala oats and upma to dosa and idli, oats can blend into almost anything.
• Budget-friendly: Oats cost far less compared to many packaged breakfast foods.

This combination of convenience, health, and affordability is why oats continue to grow in Indian households.

Explore Top 6 Oats Brands in India

1. Quaker Oats

Quaker is one of the oldest and most trusted food brands in the world. In India, it is also one of the largest oat brands. Many families prefer Quaker for its reliable quality and consistent taste. The oats are made from whole grains and provide good fibre and nutrition. Quaker oats are easy to cook and work well in Indian recipes like upma, chilla, and porridge. They have a smooth texture that suits both children and adults. The brand is known for maintaining high standards and clean taste across all its products. Quaker continues to be a favourite for Indian households looking for a healthy, simple, and convenient breakfast option every day. Its reputation for quality makes it a trusted choice nationwide.

• Best for: People who want a tried-and-tested oat brand with international standard quality.

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2. Saffola Oats

Saffola is one of India’s top health-food brands. Its oats have become very popular among Indian families. The brand is known for promoting healthy eating and heart-friendly products. Saffola offers a variety of oats, including plain and masala-flavoured options, which suit Indian tastes. The masala variants make breakfast more exciting while keeping it healthy. Saffola oats are easy to cook and can be used in many recipes, from simple porridge to upma or chilla. The brand focuses on quality ingredients and nutrition, which makes it a trusted choice for daily meals. Many health-conscious consumers rely on Saffola for a filling and balanced breakfast. Its emphasis on heart health and taste has helped it stand out in the Indian oats market.

• Best for: Those who want a tasty twist to regular oats without compromising on health.

3. Kellogg’s Oats

Kellogg’s is a well-known brand for breakfast cereals, and its oats are also very popular in India. Many people trying oats for the first time prefer Kellogg’s because the texture is soft and easy to cook. The oats cook quickly, making them ideal for busy mornings. They have a mild taste that works well in different recipes, from traditional Indian dishes like upma and chilla to overnight oats and smoothies. Kellogg’s oats are made from quality grains and provide good nutrition. The brand is trusted for its consistency and taste. It is a favourite among families and working professionals who want a simple, healthy, and convenient breakfast option. Kellogg’s continues to be a reliable choice for everyday meals.

• Best for: First-time oat buyers and people who want a soft-textured oat experience.

4. Bagrry’s Oats

Bagrry’s is a well-known Indian brand in the health food category. It has built a strong reputation for offering nutritious and reliable products. Their oats are high in fibre, which helps with digestion and keeps people full for longer. Bagrry’s oats are available in larger packs, making them affordable and convenient for families. The brand focuses on quality and taste, ensuring that the oats remain fresh and natural. Many people use Bagrry’s oats for quick breakfasts, healthy snacks, or traditional Indian recipes like upma and chilla. It is especially popular among health-conscious consumers who want value without compromising on nutrition. Bagrry’s continues to grow as more Indians include oats in their daily diet for a healthier lifestyle.

• Best for: Health-conscious families and people who prefer Indian brands with international quality.

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5. True Elements Oats

True Elements is a clean-label brand that focuses on natural and wholesome foods. Their oats are made without preservatives, added sugar, or artificial flavours. This makes them a popular choice for people who prefer healthy and chemical-free food. True Elements oats are made from whole grains and retain their natural taste and nutrition. They are easy to cook and can be used in a variety of Indian recipes, from upma to chilla, or eaten as overnight oats. The brand appeals to health-conscious consumers who want simple, honest ingredients. It has become a trusted choice for families and individuals looking for nutritious breakfast options. True Elements continues to grow as more people in India choose clean, natural foods for daily meals.

• Best for: People who follow healthier lifestyles or prefer naturally sourced foods.

6. Yogabar Oats

Yogabar has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing breakfast brands. The brand focuses on high-quality oats made from whole grains. These oats are rich in protein, making them ideal for people who want a healthy and filling breakfast. Yogabar uses premium ingredients and avoids unnecessary additives, which appeals to health-conscious consumers. The brand is especially popular in urban areas, where people look for quick, nutritious, and convenient meal options. Its oats can be used in traditional Indian recipes or eaten as overnight oats and smoothies. Yogabar has built a reputation for quality, taste, and nutrition. Many families and working professionals now rely on it for a wholesome start to the day. The brand continues to grow as more Indians choose healthier breakfast options.

• Best for: Health-focused individuals and those looking for better nutritional value per serving.

Types of Oats Popular in India

Different oats work differently in recipes. Below are the most common types:

• Instant Oats: Cook in 2–3 minutes. Ideal for quick meals.
• Rolled Oats: Better texture and taste. Good for smoothies, overnight oats, and Indian recipes.
• Steel-Cut Oats: Chewier and more wholesome. Takes longer to cook but is very nutritious.

Most Indian households prefer instant or rolled oats because they are fast and easy.

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How to Choose the Right Oats

Choosing oats is easy if you follow these simple checks:

1. Check fibre levels: Higher fibre means better digestion.

2. Look for whole grain: Whole grain oats are healthier and more filling.

3. Avoid added sugar: Plain oats are always better. Flavoured oats may contain salt or sugar.

4. Consider your cooking style:  For quick meals, choose instant oats. For recipes like idli or chilla, choose rolled oats.

5. Check shelf life: Fresh oats taste better and stay crisp.

Stay Healthy!

Oats have become a common part of Indian kitchens. Once seen as a foreign food, they are now enjoyed by families across the country. Many people include oats in their daily meals for weight management, better digestion, or a quick and healthy breakfast. Oats are easy to cook and fit well into Indian recipes like upma, chilla, or masala oats. Choosing the right brand matters. The texture, taste, and nutritional value can vary from one brand to another. Trusted brands like Quaker, Saffola, Kellogg’s, Bagrry’s, True Elements, and Yogabar offer good quality oats that are healthy and tasty. These brands have earned the trust of Indian consumers for their consistent quality and nutritional benefits. With rising awareness of fitness and clean eating, oats are likely to remain a popular breakfast choice. They are simple, healthy, and convenient for everyday use.

Amla and Bhringraj are two herbs that have been used in India for centuries. Both are popular in Ayurveda and are known for their benefits for hair and overall health. Amla, also called Indian Gooseberry, is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps strengthen hair, prevent hair fall, and adds shine. Bhringraj, often called the “King of Herbs” for hair, is famous for promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. It can reduce thinning and slow down premature greying. Many people use these herbs as oils, powders, or supplements to care for their hair naturally. While Amla nourishes and protects hair from damage, Bhringraj focuses on stimulating growth and improving scalp condition. Choosing between the two depends on hair type and goals. Some even use both together to get the best results for strong, healthy, and shiny hair.

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What is Amla?

Amla, also known as Indian Gooseberry, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Traditionally, Amla is used to support immunity, improve digestion, and keep the skin and hair healthy. For hair, Amla is known to strengthen follicles, reduce hair fall, and promote shine. Regular use can make hair look fuller and more vibrant. It also works well to prevent premature greying due to its natural pigmentation properties. Amla can be found in different forms such as oil, powder, juice, and capsules. Many people mix Amla powder with warm water or curd to make hair masks. Amla oil is often massaged into the scalp to boost blood circulation and nourish the roots deeply.

What is Bhringraj?

Bhringraj, often called the “King of Herbs” for hair, is another Ayurvedic gem. It is known for stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health. The herb is rich in nutrients like magnesium, iron, and vitamin E, which are beneficial for both hair and overall well-being. Bhringraj oil has been used for generations to prevent hair thinning, slow down greying, and support thicker hair growth. It is especially effective for those with weak or damaged hair. Many also use Bhringraj for its calming properties—it can help reduce stress, which is a common cause of hair fall. Bhringraj is available as oil, powder, and in supplement form. The oil is usually massaged into the scalp and left overnight to allow deep nourishment.

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Hair Benefits Showdown

Both Amla and Bhringraj offer strong benefits, but their effects differ slightly.

Amla works best for those who want stronger, shinier hair and protection against greying. Bhringraj is ideal for people struggling with hair fall or slow growth.

Other Health Benefits

Both herbs also support health beyond hair.

Amla:

• Boosts immunity due to its high Vitamin C content.
• Supports digestion and helps detoxify the body.
• Promotes glowing skin and reduces signs of aging.
• Aids in maintaining good vision and heart health.

Bhringraj:

• Supports liver health and helps flush out toxins.
• Known for its calming effect, which can help reduce stress.
• May support better sleep when used in oil massages.
• Helps balance Pitta and Vata doshas in Ayurveda, promoting overall vitality.

If you are looking for a holistic wellness boost along with hair benefits, both herbs can play a valuable role in your routine.

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How to Use Them Effectively

1. Hair Oil Massage:  Warm Amla or Bhringraj oil slightly and massage it into your scalp for 5–10 minutes. Leave it overnight and wash it off in the morning. Doing this twice a week can improve scalp health and hair strength.

2. Hair Mask

• For Amla: Mix Amla powder with water, curd, or aloe vera gel to make a smooth paste. Apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing.
• For Bhringraj: Mix Bhringraj powder with coconut oil or water to form a paste. Apply it evenly and leave it for 30–45 minutes before washing.

3. Internal Consumption: Amla juice or capsules are often taken daily for immunity and digestion. Bhringraj supplements can support hair and liver health, but it’s best to consult a professional before starting any new supplement.

4. Combination Treatments: Many people get the best results by combining both herbs. For example, using Amla powder in hair masks and Bhringraj oil for massages can offer complete hair care benefits.

Side Effects and Precautions

Both Amla and Bhringraj are natural and generally safe. However, a few precautions can help you use them effectively.

• Always do a patch test before using oils or powders to avoid allergic reactions.
• If you have a sensitive scalp, dilute the oils with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil.
• Avoid excessive use of Amla if you have low blood sugar or are on medication for the same.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
• Use products from trusted sources to ensure purity and avoid chemical additives.

Amla vs Bhringraj: Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your hair and health goals.

• Choose Amla if you want stronger hair, a natural shine, and protection against premature greying. It also works well for boosting immunity and improving skin health.
• Choose Bhringraj if you are struggling with hair fall, weak roots, or slow hair growth. It is excellent for scalp health and can give visible results over time.

For best results, many people prefer to use both—Amla for internal and external nourishment, and Bhringraj for targeted scalp treatments.

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Stay Healthy and Glowing!

Amla and Bhringraj are both powerful Ayurvedic ingredients with unique benefits. Amla is rich in nutrients that strengthen hair and improve overall health. Bhringraj focuses more on stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health. If your main goal is healthy, shiny hair with long-term benefits, Amla is an excellent choice. If you want faster hair growth and better scalp care, Bhringraj may work better. For complete care, combining both can give the best results. Choosing between them is not about which one is superior overall, but which one aligns better with your personal hair needs and lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Amla, Bhringraj, or any herbal products, especially if you have existing health conditions.

The wellness trend is changing drastically across the globe, shaping and structuring the mentality of customers in different ways.  Due to changing expectations towards their favored food brands, it is emerging as one of the important challenges for restaurateurs. The wellness and nutrition trend is so in demand that it is causing the restaurants to change their way of action keeping the customer’s expectation and demand in mind.

Millennials in particular are leading the charge by promoting health-conscious diets which are both beneficial and tasty. Considering health as an utmost priority, millennials are forcing the restaurants to come up with different concepts offering healthy and nutritional product that they love to eat. Hence, restaurants are introducing more and more vegan and green diets into their menu, satisfying the customer’s need. The restaurants are willing to cash this trend which they believe is here to stay. According to a report, it is believed that 1000 men and women between age 20—30 are shifting towards a healthy diet and the rate is expected to rise more in the upcoming time.     

A report of USA Today stated that almost 30,000 consumers in more than 60 nations believe that the Millennials are the most health-centric group in the world. More than four out of ten people indicate that they are willing to spend more money for healthier products and cuisines. Thus, the market for health and nutritional enthusiasts is expanding creating awareness for a healthy lifestyle. A sense of mindfulness can be seen in today’s customer that enables them to ask questions about the origin of food, the ingredients and even about the process it is being prepared. It clearly states that they are very much concerned about their health and about the impact caused by the nutrition in food.  

People are now more conscious thereby making them explore various foods’ which helps and increases brain health, sleep, and stress. They believe that it is better to invest in healthy foods fulfilling their hunger and meeting the basic nutritional level both at the same time. “We are providing people to select their own ingredients. By this way, transparency is provided to our customers who are generally health conscious.  We are trying to provide the nutrititive value of food in front of the people,” says Gautam Kamra, GM, Wok To Walk.

Infusing Technology

Innovating technologies like fitness trackers and calorie counting applications are also contributing towards making health and wellness a more personal thing. With presence of such applications in the market, consumers are able to learn more about foods and ingredients which are beneficial for their health.

A sense of mindfulness can be seen in today’s customers that enable them to ask questions about the origin of food, its ingredients and even about its  preparation process. In order to participate in the growing market, many restaurants are now serving and preparing the food to maintain transparency in front of their customers.

“Customers are willing to invest in brands which are providing them transparency while catering. Millennial’s expectations have certainly revamped our  way of  working in the industry. We as a team try to provide transparency at our restaurant so that this huge crowd stays satisfied,” shares Simant Tyagi, Co-owner, Hyjack Restaurant and Bar.    

Not only this, a restaurant named Habit in San Francisco is one such example for personalized nutrition business. The brand dragged attention in the year 2016 when a company named Campbell Soup Co. invested about $30 million in the brand. The company required users to submit their blood samples for review. Based on the results, the company developed a personalized nutrition plan for the user. They made sure that personal wellness is as important as consuming great food.

In India, it is just the dawn of the personalized nutrition market and not sure which kind of business model will succeed. The only thing clear is that it will surely attract consumer’s interest as the market builds momentum with time.

Just like superman is for the awesomeness of a man; super food is for, well, food! Both signify the same thing in relation to two entirely different gears. Super foods do not fly or save you from villains but they do claim to save you from your own body processes. These foods are mostly plant based but can also include some fish and dairy and are thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one's health. Super foods are said to be nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prolong life, and people who eat more of them can be healthier and thinner than those who don't.

It has been found out by various researches conducted that the anti-oxidants destroy the radicals released by our cells which damage the cells and cause ageing. It is being said that eating some foods can slow down the ageing process, lift depression, boost our physical ability, and even our intelligence.

What’s in?

Indian restaurants seem to be catching up on the trend as well. “Super foods and healthy diets are the new food trends. Quinoa, an ingredient originally from Peru, is made of complete protein and is coming as a substitute for rice and other forms of starch because of its health and taste factor. Kale has sturdy leaves and is extremely nutritious. These can only be bought from online stores though.
Indian Superfoods mainly including Amla (Indian gooseberry), Rajgira (Amaranth), Millets and Lotus Seeds are being used by many restaurants, these days in preparation of items because of the health benefits they offer”, says Chef Vicky Ratnani (Head Chef, The Korner House) who is already serving a menu based on these ingredients. Also, there is a certain rise in the category with local chains taking the healthier route.

Consumers’ maybe viewing products as fashion-forward and exciting but this has led many restaurants to indulge them in their recipes even if it is just to garner the dishes being served. Some consumers prefer to manage and prevent disease through diet and lifestyle adjustments as compared with medication. This indicates that consumers are incorporating superfoods and drinks into their diets as a means of improving their health. They are being used for everyday problems like fighting obesity, cholesterol control, protection of skin from UV rays, prevention from cancers, reduction in effects of age-related diseases and many more.

“These super foods are not only in vogue but also highly accepted by consumers today. People these days are aware of latest trends and are open to experimenting and accepting new, out of the box organic & natural foods” shares Chef Akansha Sehgal, Ministry of Salads, Mumbai.

Quantity that matters

The sudden rise of options such as green and herbal tea in the cafes also indicates the awareness of consumers in this sector and the trends being followed by eateries. Other reason that is compelling people to fall into the category of super food lovers is the beauty benefits that they offer. Beauty experts say that using them might result in strengthening of skin, building collagen, providing deep nourishment and protection with antioxidants and natural proteins,hydrating and firming the skin reducing fine lines and providing smooth, toned texture.

Although many researches indicate towards the benefits of super foods, the quantity that can actually affect and cause a change for your well-being is also to be taken into account. Having a good quantity of them stands important but having anything in excess can never be good and can result in increment of weight or other dietary issues.

”Super foods are trending but I strongly feel no food including all those labelled as super foods can compensate for unhealthy eating. One should focus more on super diets rather than on super foods as focusing on just one super food and eating it in the wrong proportion which is certainly not going to benefit one in any way” said, Chef Jerson Fernandes, Executive Chef Hotel Sea Princess.

Thus, with people going towards wellness and adopting healthy lifestyle, super foods may hold a special place in the restaurant menus in days to come.