9 healthy, guilt-free snacks for chai time

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

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.

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.

Light, crispy, and oddly addictive, roasted makhana is the snack that says, “I take care of myself but still crave spice.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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