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Festive food is evolving. Discover how nuts and berries are redefining Indian celebrations with health, taste, and mindful indulgence.
From mithais and halwas to artisanal gift boxes and gourmet desserts, nuts and berries are taking centre stage redefining how we celebrate, gift, and eat during the festive season.
Festive indulgence has always been at the heart of Indian celebrations, the aroma of ghee-laden sweets, the warmth of shared meals, and the sparkle of joy in every bite. But today’s celebrations are witnessing a refreshing evolution. Modern India is finding ways to honour tradition while embracing wellness, creating a new festive philosophy: balance, not excess.
From mithais and halwas to artisanal gift boxes and gourmet desserts, nuts and berries are taking centre stage redefining how we celebrate, gift, and eat during the festive season.
Where Indulgence Meets Wellness
Chef Ravi Kant, Cluster Chef North, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, feels there’s been a clear shift in how guests approach festive dining. “At The LaLiT, we’ve seen a growing preference among guests for ingredients that marry indulgence with wellness. Nuts and berries have truly emerged as festive favourites, adding both nutrition and sophistication to traditional Indian sweets and desserts,” says Chef Kant.
Whether it’s almond-studded barfis, walnut halwa, or cranberry-infused mithais, these additions not only elevate flavour and texture but also bring a modern twist to time-honoured recipes.
“Today’s guests appreciate food that reflects mindful eating habits without compromising on taste,” he adds. “This festive season, we’re celebrating the idea that food can be both delicious and nourishing, a perfect reflection of contemporary Indian celebrations.”
At The LaLiT’s festive buffets and menus, that philosophy translates into creations that blend comfort with consciousness, indulgent yet wholesome, familiar yet refreshingly new.
A Wellness Revolution in Gifting and Celebration
Gunjan Vijay Jain, President, Nuts and Dry Fruits Council (India), echoes this growing emphasis on balance and mindful indulgence, noting that nuts and berries have become central to the country’s evolving festive culture.
“Festive celebrations in India are no longer just about indulgence, they are about balance, wellness, and conscious joy,” says Gunjan Jain. “Today’s generation is redefining festive gifting by moving beyond sugar-heavy sweets and embracing nuts and berries as the new symbols of health and prosperity.”
From almonds and pistachios to blueberries and cranberries, these “functional treats,” as she calls them, are more than just ingredients, they’re symbols of thoughtful celebration. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and antioxidants, they bring nourishment and vitality to the festive table.
“There’s a clear shift in consumer behaviour,” Gunjan adds. “People want festive foods that make them feel good, not guilty. Superfood gift boxes, gourmet nut assortments, and berry-based treats are becoming the new festive favourites especially among urban millennials and Gen Z.”
These choices, she notes, reflect modern lifestyles that value natural, premium, and nutrient-rich foods, all while preserving the emotional essence of celebration.
The New Face of Festive India
Both experts agree, India’s festive food landscape is evolving into something beautifully holistic. The focus is no longer on excess but on elevated enjoyment, where taste, tradition, and health coexist in perfect harmony.
As Chef Kant aptly summarizes, “It’s about creating food that tells a story of both heritage and health. When tradition meets thoughtful innovation, the celebration becomes even more meaningful.”
Jain adds, “The festive market is undergoing a wellness revolution where flavour and fitness are no longer in conflict. With nuts and berries at the centre of this evolution, India is embracing a healthier way to celebrate without compromising on taste or tradition.”
In today’s kitchens, mithais sparkle with cranberries, barfis glow with pistachios, and laddoos boast the crunch of almonds and walnuts. It’s a delicious reminder that the modern Indian celebration isn’t just about sweetness, it’s about smart indulgence.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
October 25, 2025, 18:07 IST
