What’s Wrong With Fried Snacks Anyways?

We all love our snacks – whether it’s something crunchy with a cup of chai, a quick bite during work, or a savoury indulgence at a get-together. But while our taste buds love a good snack, our bodies aren’t always as thrilled – especially when it comes to fried snacks.
In a world increasingly conscious of health and wellness, more people are rethinking how the snacks are made, not just what the snack are made of … and wondering whether snacking is even worth the health concerns.

What if we told you there was an alternative, one which was a win-win. Healthier, guilt-free snacking options which are roasted (not fried), with ingredients which are good for you, and the same flavours that you love.

But do you really need to make the switch? Let’s find out.

Less Fat, More Flavour
Fried snacks are often deep-cooked in oil, soaking up large amounts of fat—particularly unhealthy trans fats and saturated fats. Regular consumption of these can lead to weight gain, cholesterol build-up, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Roasted snacks, on the other hand, are made using dry heat and/ or minimal oil, making them lighter, easier to digest, and naturally lower in fat.

The Hidden Danger: Refried Oil
One of the biggest but lesser-known concerns with commercial fried snacks is the reuse of cooking oil—commonly referred to as refried oil. Many snack manufacturers repeatedly heat the same batch of oil to save on costs. This process breaks down the oil chemically, releasing toxic compounds like aldehydes and acrylamides.

These compounds have been linked to:

• Inflammation in the body
• Increased cholesterol
• Digestive issues
• Even long-term risks like heart disease and certain cancers

With roasted snacks, this risk is completely eliminated, since there’s little to no oil involved, and no refrying at all.

More Nutrition, Less Guilt
Fried snacks often lose much of their nutritional value during deep-frying. In contrast, roasting preserves the natural fibre, protein, and nutrients present in pulses, whole grains, and millets.
For example, the Roasted Moong Jor from The Roasted Alternative is made by roasting green gram – a high-protein, high-fibre legume – into a crunchy, satisfying snack that fuels your body instead of draining it.

Clean Ingredients, Honest Taste
Another issue with many fried snacks is the use of artificial preservatives, flavour enhancers, and additives. These are required to maintain their shelf life and taste, especially because oil can go rancid over time.
Roasted snacks from The Roasted Alternative keep things simple: just real ingredients, Indian spices, and careful roasting. Our Chana Jor, Jeera Namak Para, Shakar Para, etc. bring back the traditional flavours you know – without the greasy aftertaste or the chemical baggage.

Keeps You Full, Not Bloated
Roasted snacks made from whole grains or pulses (like jowar, moong, or chana) are rich in fibre and plant protein, which helps with digestion, and keep you full longer. This makes them an excellent option for mid-meal cravings without the guilt of empty calories.
So the next time hunger strikes between meals, a handful of Jeera Namak Para or Chana Jor makes for a smarter choice that won’t leave you feeling heavy or bloated.

We all crave that satisfying crunch. Thankfully, you don’t need to rely on frying for it. Our roasting techniques help achieve that same flavour-full crispiness—minus the mess, the oil, or the health concerns.

Choosing roasted over fried isn’t just a health choice – it’s a conscious move toward cleaner eating, better ingredients, and long-term well-being. With The Roasted Alternative, this switch doesn’t mean giving up your favourite snacks – just upgrading them.

Because when it comes to flavour and wellness — you shouldn’t have to choose.