International Snacking

Whether it’s sweet or savory, snack culture can’t be avoided. According to the Mondelez’s State of Snacking Report, “60% of shoppers prefer snacks or smaller meals more frequently as opposed to traditional meals.” From shopping for snacks to eating them, snacking has by far become one of consumers’ favorite pastimes. Filling a bowl with crunchy bites, savory dips, sweet treats, or other bite-sized items simply can’t be beat. But with more and more consumer interest surrounding unique flavors, snack culture is leaning global. In the Whole Foods Market’s 2025 trend report, international snacking is on the rise and it includes items like masala popcorn, mango sticky rice chips, chamoy candy, and more. As this trend continues to grow, lentils offer the ability to bring global flavors to life in an approachable yet snackable way.

Savory Snack Mixes

If you’re craving more of a traditional grab-and-go snack, chivda is an Indian snack mix that is comparable to trail mix. Made with corn flakes, cashews, golden raisins, and oven-roasted lentils, it’s a crunchy snack that has an addictive flavor. You can try exploring more global flavors with savory granola made with cashews, lentils, and a variety of warming spices, or with chaat, an Indian street-food snack that is crispy, salty, and tangy.

Dips

Notorious for game day celebrations, dips are a perfect way to explore international snacking. Using cooked lentils as the base for a variety of global-inspired dips levels up protein while allowing for safe experimentation into new flavors or cuisines.

Fried

If snacks had a rulebook they’d have to be crispy, crunchy, and fried. Vada, falafel, and kotlet may all have different origin stories and flavor profiles, but they all have one thing in common: they’re the ideal snack food. Vada is a deep-fried Indian snack that is made from potatoes or lentils, and falafel is typically Middle Eastern. Adding lentils to potato latkes gives them a heartier texture, making them a more substantial snack.

Indian Street Food

When it comes to snacking, anything bite-sized is ideal. Familiar international handhelds like empanadas and samosas use lentils as a savory filling as well as in Indian street-food-style snacks like kachori and chaat.

Lentils are a staple in so many different cultures including Mediterranean, Indian, Middle East, and Latin American. Consider using them to explore more food trends in 2025.