Why Makhana Might Just Be the Best Snack You Can Give Your Kids
If you’ve got kids, you’ve probably been through the snack struggle.
You open the fridge… nothing.
You open the pantry… chips, biscuits, maybe a half-empty box of cereal.
You want something healthy.
They want something fun.
Most days, it feels like you’re negotiating a peace treaty just to get them to eat something decent.
That’s how I stumbled upon makhana — or rather, re-discovered it. This light, crunchy, little puff has been around forever in Indian kitchens, but I’d never really thought of it as a kids’ snack. Turns out, it’s a total game-changer. And with brands like GLEE Makhana giving it fun, kid-friendly flavours, it’s gone from “meh” to “more, please!” in our house.
So… What is Makhana, Anyway?
Makhana (also called fox nuts or lotus seeds) comes from lotus plants. They’re harvested, dried, and roasted into airy, crunchy puffs that you can eat plain or with flavours.
Our grandparents knew its value — it’s been used for fasting food, kheer, and traditional snacks for generations. But in today’s world, where snacks are either deep-fried or loaded with sugar, makhana feels like a breath of fresh air.
Why I Now Call It the “Best Makhana” for Kids
Here’s the thing — kids don’t care about antioxidants, magnesium, or low glycemic index. But we do. And makhana happens to tick a lot of boxes for both sides.
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Nutritious but not boring – It’s got protein, calcium, and iron without tasting like “health food.”
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Gentle on tummies – No heavy, greasy feeling after.
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Keeps them going – Gives steady energy, not the sugar spike-crash cycle.
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Easy to carry – School lunchbox? Picnic? Car ride? Done.
And if you go for something like GLEE Makhana, the flavours make it even easier. My kids love the Tangy Tomato one; my niece is a die-hard Chocolate fan; and somehow, the Peri Peri is a favourite for my older one who “doesn’t like spicy” (kids are weird).
Real-Life Snack Wins
Here’s what I’ve found:
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On school days – I throw a small pack of GLEE Makhana in their bag. It’s just the right size, so no half-eaten packets coming back.
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On road trips – No crumbs all over the back seat. Honestly, that’s a win for my sanity.
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During playdates – Everyone eats them. Even the fussy ones. And no parents complain because… well, it’s makhana.
The Health Stuff (Because It Matters)
Let’s break it down without going too “nutritionist mode”:
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Protein → good for growing bodies.
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Calcium → strong bones and teeth.
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Iron → keeps their energy and focus up.
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Fibre → healthy digestion.
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Antioxidants → fights off all the bad stuff we can’t see.
All that, and it’s not fried. Most of the flavoured ones (like GLEE’s) are roasted, which means less oil and no guilt.
Making Makhana Fun for Kids
If you’ve got an adventurous eater, you can get creative:
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Mix chocolate makhana with a handful of raisins for a sweet trail mix.
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Toss tangy tomato makhana with chopped cucumbers and puffed rice for a mini “bhel.”
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For movie night, just swap the popcorn for peri peri makhana. Trust me, the bowl will be empty before the interval.
Why I Stick With GLEE Makhana ?
There’s plenty of makhana brands out there, but here’s why I keep picking up GLEE:
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The flavours are spot-on — not overpowering, but enough to make kids reach for them.
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Portion packs are actually portion packs — no huge bag with five pieces at the bottom.
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You can tell they care about quality. The makhana’s crisp, not chewy or stale.
And honestly? The kids recognise the red packet now. They grab it without me having to convince them — which is saying a lot.
Final Word
Healthy eating for kids doesn’t have to be a fight. It’s just about finding snacks that both sides can agree on.
For me, healthy makhana has been that middle ground — it’s light, crunchy, full of good stuff, and the kids actually like it. With GLEE Makhana, I don’t have to bribe, bargain, or hide the healthy snack inside something else.
So next time you’re staring at the pantry wondering what to pack or serve, skip the chips. Go for a pack of GLEE Makhana — it’s the rare snack that makes both kids and parents happy.
