Does Khatta Meetha contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients provided, Khatta Meetha contains no dairy (milk, cheese, or butter) and no gluten. It is safe for lactose-intolerant and celiac individuals.

Is Khatta Meetha good for weight loss?

No, it is not ideal for weight loss. It is a high-calorie snack fried in oil and contains added sugar. It should be limited to small portions if you are watching your weight.

Where can I buy Khatta Meetha?

Khatta Meetha is widely available at major Indian grocery stores, supermarkets like Big Bazaar, and online retailers such as Amazon and Flipkart.

Is Khatta Meetha safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids as it contains no artificial colors or caffeine. However, due to the sugar content and potential for choking hazards in young children, it should be given under supervision.

Is Khatta Meetha Gluten Free?

Yes, Khatta Meetha is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, this savory snack relies on chickpea flour, rice flakes, and sago starch rather than wheat-based flours. It is a safe option for those avoiding gluten, provided you check for cross-contamination warnings on the specific brand's packaging.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the base ingredients first to determine if a snack is safe for gluten-free diets. In the case of Khatta Meetha, the formulation is quite unique compared to standard savory snacks like bhujia or sev.

The primary binding agent here is Chickpeas Flour (Besan), which constitutes 30% of the product. This is excellent news for gluten-free consumers because chickpeas are naturally free of gluten. Unlike wheat flour, which provides elasticity (gluten), chickpea flour provides a dense, nutty structure. To add crunch, the manufacturers have used Rice Flakes (8%) and Starch (Sago) (7%). Both of these are traditional gluten-free ingredients derived from rice and palm pith, respectively.

Regarding the flavoring agents, ingredients like Mango Powder, Turmeric, and Cumin are naturally gluten-free. However, a subtle risk in processed snacks often lies in the 'spices' or 'flavor enhancers' category. Here, the list is transparent, specifying individual spices. The Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid) and Anticaking agent (Silicon Dioxide) are chemical additives used for shelf life and texture, neither of which contain gluten. Therefore, the formulation is chemically sound and safe for celiacs.

Nutritional Value

While the gluten-free verdict is positive, it is important to view Khatta Meetha through a nutritional lens. This is a fried snack, and the Vegetable Oil content is significant. The combination of cotton seed, corn, and palmolein oils means this product is high in saturated and unsaturated fats. This provides a high caloric density, which is typical for traditional Indian fried snacks.

The Sugar Powder (5%) is the other major component to watch. While it provides the 'Metha' (sweet) element, it spikes the glycemic index. For individuals managing diabetes or looking to lose weight, this snack should be consumed in moderation. It fits into a diet as an occasional treat rather than a staple food item. The protein content is decent due to the Peanuts (8%) and Puy Lentils (2%), but the fat-to-protein ratio is skewed towards fat.