Is Chakli Healthy? Let's Uncover the Truth

Chakli - the mere mention of the word makes Indians smile, but is Chakli healthy?. This spiral, crunchy snack appears at Diwali, family gatherings, and even as a late-night snack and is usually enjoyed with a hot cup of tea. This snack is called chakli in Maharashtra, Murukku in South India, Chakri in Gujarat, and Chakkuli in Karnataka. Different names, a few differences in ingredients, but the same warm crunch!

Chakli holds significance in Indian households, not just as a snack food but also as a traditional food item. Mothers and grandmothers prepare it in bulk, filling containers to send to neighbors and storing some in packs for the kids studying abroad. But now, people have also become health-conscious, and one question that keeps occurring is, "Is chakli healthy?" Let's see.

What is Chakli Made of?

Chakli is a recipe typically prepared using rice flour, gram flour (besan), urad dal flour, or a combination known as bhajani (roasted combination of flours). These are combined with spices such as ajwain (carom seeds), sesame seeds, cumin, chili powder, and salt. The dough is rolled in a spiral shape using a chakli maker and fried in oil until golden in color.

The ingredients vary according to the regions. For instance, South Indian Murukku can utilize more rice flour and urad dal, whereas Gujarati chakri can utilize wheat flour. Butter or ghee is also utilized in certain recipes to enhance the flavor. If you're wondering, is murukku healthy? It depends on the preparation and portion size.

Health Benefits of Chakli

Believe it or not, chakli is not just a snack; there are a few surprising health benefits, particularly when prepared traditionally and consumed in moderation. Here are the benefits:

• Rich in Protein and Fibre: Dal flours such as urad dal and moong dal are rich in protein and dietary fiber; hence, you feel full for a longer duration.

• Digestive aid: Spices like ajwain and cumin may help in digestion and also alleviate bloating.

• Homemade Advantage: When you prepare chakli at home using fresh ingredients, you don't get preservatives, artificial flavor, and excess salt that are included in packaged snacks.

• Healthy Additions: Sesame seeds, which are added in most recipes, are a good source of healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium.

Why Chakli Is Not an Everyday Snack?

• Deep-Fried: Frying makes chakli very oily and calorie-rich. Whether the ingredients are healthy or not, the method of cooking can completely nullify that.

• High in Salt: Some recipes have excessive amounts of salt and spices, which are not suitable for individuals monitoring their sodium level.

• Addictive Flavor: Chakli is tasty, salty, and crunchy, making it very easy to overeat. That's why portion control becomes challenging.

• Not Suitable for Daily Snacking: It is okay to consume chakli occasionally, but consuming it daily, particularly in excess, will introduce unnecessary fat and carbs into your diet. To enjoy guilt-free Diwali eating, moderation is key.

How To Make Chakli Healthy?

The good news, though, is that you don't have to compromise on eating chakli. Here is how you can make it healthier without having to compromise on that great taste:

• Choose Better Oils: Use cold-pressed oils or groundnut oil for frying.

• Bake or Air-Fry: Bake or air-fry chakli with minimal oil. You'll have the crunch without the grease. This also makes it a good low-fat chakli alternative.

• Use High-Fibre Flours: Incorporate flours such as jowar, bajra, or oats into your recipe for a healthier spin.

• Control the Spice: When preparing food for children or the elderly, reduce the seasoning.

• Small Batches, Small Portions: Cooking a small batch and keeping it in a small container encourages thoughtful snacking!

Where Can I Purchase Chakli Online?

If we struggle to prepare chakli from scratch, or if we are abroad and missing the flavor of home, do not worry, The Desi Food can assist. At The Desi Food, you can savor a special type of authentic Indian chaklis, which are:

• Classic Bhajani Chakli

• Muruku from South Indian brands

• Butter Chakli

• Baked chakli and millet alternatives

The highlight? We ship packages to over 80 nations. So no matter where you are - Singapore, the US, the UK, Australia, or elsewhere - you can buy baked Indian snacks like chakli delivered fresh and fast right to your doorstep. These are also perfect if you're looking for baked chakli online or a healthy faral for Diwali.

Enjoy Chakli, Just the Right Way

Chakli is not just a snack; it is a tradition, a memory, and bliss in spiral shape. Prepare this favorite snack using the correct ingredients, have a balanced serving, and adopt improved means of preparation. Go ahead and have your chakli, a few pieces at a time, perhaps with a cup of tea, and a smile with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chakli good for the diet? 

Chakli can be part of your diet if it is taken in small quantities and not daily. It is deep-fried, so it is fine to have as an occasional snack, not regularly.

How many calories are in chakli?

One medium fried chakli of 20–25 g contains approximately 100–120 calories. However, it may differ depending on ingredients and cooking style. 

Is chakli made of maida?

No, maida is not used in chakli. It's prepared from rice flour, besan (gram flour), or dal flours such as urad or moong. 

Is chakli healthy for diabetics?

Chakli is not for diabetics, particularly the fried version. But if made with high-fiber flours such as jowar or bajra and baked or air-fried, it can be a safe option, in moderation. 

Does chakli increase sugar levels?

Plain chakli has no added sugar but has a high carbohydrate value, which increases blood sugar levels when overeaten.