NEW DELHI: A court in Delhi has acquitted a man of the offence of obstructing public way and causing public nuisance by putting a snacks cart on the road, saying he may have been falsely implicated in the case.
Metropolitan magistrate Apoorva Rana was hearing a case filed against Abdul Salam, who was accused of putting the snacks cart selling items like 'bhalla papdi' and 'chowmein' in the corner of a lane on Kapashera main road on January 2, 2018.
Despite being asked to remove the cart causing obstruction in public way, Salam did not remove it, the prosecution said.
"... This court hereby accords the benefit of doubt to the accused for the offence under sections 283 ( danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation) and 290 (punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise pro-vided for) of the Indian Penal Code and holds the accused not guilty of commission of the said offence. Accused... is thus, acquitted...," the magistrate said in a recent judgment.
Noting the absence of the daily diary entry at the police station, the magistrate said it rendered the fact of the police officials' departure for patrolling and subsequent arrival on the spot "questionable and suspicious".
"Such material discrepancies raise doubt regarding the proceedings having been conducted at the spot and also give rise to the suspicion that the same was done in a mechanical manner in the police station itself and that the accused may have been falsely implicated in the present case," the magistrate said.
The court also noted the photographs of the spot and said, "The said counter (cart) does not even appear to have been installed on the main road, rather the same has been apparently placed in one separate corner of the road, where no public persons walking past the said counter are visible at all, let alone, them facing inconvenience due to the same."
It said no public person was identified or made a witness to whom obstruction, danger or injury was caused by the accused's act.
"In the absence of the complaint from any public person, it is difficult to comprehend as to how the act of the accused was causing inconvenience to passers-by or causing public nuisance," the court said.
It also noted the absence of any public witnesses and the non-recording of statements of the vendors or shop owners in the vicinity of the vendor's cart.
Not only this, the investigating officer did not even note down the names and addresses of the neighbouring shop owners and other public persons or serve any notice to them, upon their refusal to join the investigation, the court said.
"All this creates a serious lapse on the part of the IO in conducting a fair and proper investigation, and thus, gives rise to suspicion in the version of the prosecution story," the court said.
The Kapashera police station had registered an FIR against Salam.
A new Instagram story by the Dubai Crown Prince has sent long-term residents on a nostalgic journey. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared an image of a packet of Pofak - a type of soft cheese-flavoured chips that are beloved by residents.
The image shows a packet of chips branded 'Dubai Pofak' along with a hot sauce.
The story has sparked excitement among the residents, as they fondly recalled the joy of sharing a packet of the nostalgic snack.
Here are some other snacks that take UAE residents back to their school days:
1. Areej juice
Areej juice brings back emotions and bonds Dubai kids shared during their lunch breaks. The juice is a popular brand that captured the hearts and taste buds of people in the UAE across generations. The mere mention of the word transports long-timers back to a simpler life, full of picnics and family gatherings. The colourful and vibrant packaging of Areej juice instantly catches the eye, and every sip brings back memories of hot summer days.
“Areej juice is more than just a drink, it is a symbol of togetherness and shared experiences with my classmates and friends. I sometimes reminisce about sitting on the grass and sipping a cold Areej Juice pack,” said Husain Rizwan, Our Own High School, Al Warqa.
2. Safari chocolate bar
Photo: Instagram
As time passed, these green camouflage-colored wrapper chocolate bars became harder to find on the shelves. For many visiting the supermarket, their eyes hunt for their childhood favourite Safari chocolate bar. “The last time I saw this chocolate was in 2019 before the pandemic. It is like the pandemic has taken away these yummy bars,” said Vinit, a resident of Mankhool, mentioning that he would always walk into the grocery store to get these until 2012.
“There are many options in the store but none can replace the cherished memories of the bar. It remained a symbol, and joy could be found in the wrapper. But now the colour of the wrapper has been changed,” added Vinit.
3. Oman Chips
Photo: Instagram
Picnics and outing back then was not complete without having Oman chips and Salad chips. They were the best companion during the outdoor daycation.
Even today, the mention or sight of Oman or salad chips bring a smile to the faces of those who remember it. It is a reminder that simply packed fried potatoes can hold, evoking emotions and memories that are made forever in the hearts of long-time residents. Although having many options in the market, its legacy lives on, with those who experienced its magical taste.
4. Laban Up
Do you remember the times when refrigerators would be stocked with these blue-coloured magical drink packs? The refreshing taste never failed to quench our thirst when we returned home from school in the sweltering heat.
Even though supermaket shelves nowadays have an abundance of drinks from all around the world, "Laban Up by Al Safa is the most delightful and refreshing drink, and holds a special place in our memories," said Sameer Bhojwani, who has been brought up in the UAE. “Whenever I sip on a Laban Up, it transports me back to the simpler times of family dinners, picnics, and school lunches,”
5. Prince biscuits
Opening our lunch boxes to find a pack of these biscuits was always a delightful surprise.
The chocolate biscuits have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on our memories, connecting us to those precious moments of our youth. “For us, biscuits were either cream or salted. But Prince biscuit was a dream of every child studying in the UAE before the 2000’s,” said Syed Bilal, born and brought up in Dubai and a resident of Deira.
From fending away hangar to avoiding wolfing down the next meal—snacks can offer many benefits. For starters, snacks can deliver essential nutrients to get you closer to meeting critical dietary needs that many may fall short on. Not to mention, they can help sustain healthy blood sugar levels, a primary part of healthy living for people with diabetes. According to the CDC, 1 in 10 people have diabetes, and 1 in 3 have prediabetes, a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Whether you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, making a good meal and snack choices helps keep your blood sugar levels healthy. "High-fiber foods, especially those high in soluble fiber, have been shown to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes," says Steph Magill, M.S., RD, CD, FAND.
Fiber, the roughage nutrient, is known for its amazing health benefits, from lowering cholesterol levels to relieving constipation. It can further help with inflammation, weight management and better blood sugar control, all important factors in living healthy with diabetes, per a 2020 review in PLOS Medicine. High-fiber snacks also curb your appetite by keeping you full for longer and helping maintain a healthy heart. What's the link between a healthy heart and diabetes? People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., per the CDC. The upside is many high-fiber foods carry a slew of beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, protein, unsaturated fats, vitamins, complex carbohydrates and more, so you often get loads more than just fiber. Read on to unwrap our list of nine fiber-filled snacks that are best for diabetes and dietitian-approved!
1. Chia Pudding
Regardless of a late morning or evening snack, chia pudding is a tasty snack to enjoy at any time of the day. "If you're looking for a high-fiber snack that will keep you satisfied for hours and help lower your blood sugar, then adding chia pudding to your snack rotation is a must, " says Dani Lebovitz, M.S., RDN, CSSD, CDCES, certified diabetes care and education specialist in Franklin, TN and author of Where Does Broccoli Come From? A Book of Vegetables. It's jam-packed with fiber from chia seeds—pair it with fiber-rich fruit, and you're on your way to stabilizing your blood sugars. "The soluble fiber found in chia seeds slows digestion, preventing a spike in blood sugar and may improve your insulin resistance," says Lebovitz. Try our Cocoa-Chia Pudding with Raspberries for a whopping 13 grams of fiber per serving.
2. Roasted Beans
While some people delight in sweet-tasting snacks, others may crave a good crunch. "Additionally, to satisfy a salty, crunchy craving, try roasted chickpeas, soybeans or fava beans. These pack a flavorful crunch and are high in soluble fiber, six grams of fiber, and three grams of soluble fiber in a half cup," says Magill. Beans are packed with protein, which helps blood sugars rise more slowly versus spike quickly. They offer a neutral flavor that can be transformed with the help of flavor additions. Quickly turn your beans into a sweet or savory snack by seasoning them how you want. "Season chickpeas with a dusting of cinnamon and turmeric. Both have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help with complications of diabetes, " says Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, Owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. Our Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas and Toasted Paprika Chickpeas are delicious recipes to try.
3. Popcorn
People may not realize popcorn is a whole grain, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) gives their seal of approval for popcorn since coining whole grains as superstar foods. "A quarter cup of popcorn kernels contains around seven grams of fiber, making it a great snack to help you reach the fiber recommendation of 25 to 30 grams daily. You'll find great options in-store, but it's super simple to make at home. I like to make [my] 4-ingredient chocolate popcorn by shaking freshly popped kernels with chocolate chips, cocoa powder and a touch of salt," says Mackenzie Burgess, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices. If you're looking for a savory popcorn snack, enjoy this Lemon-Parm Popcorn.
4. Popped Sorghum
Here's another whole grain (and popcorn alternative) brimming with nutrients to control blood sugar. "Sorghum is an ancient grain that naturally provides fiber, antioxidants, and many other important nutrients that support those with diabetes. Instead of snacking on popcorn, popping grains of sorghum results in a satisfying snack that doesn't get stuck in your teeth like the OG movie time snack can do. Sorghum is also an incredibly sustainable grain, making it a great option for those who are focused on making choices that are earth friendly. " says Lauren Manaker M.S., RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Nutrition Now, LLC.
5. Prunes
Grandpa was right; prunes really are good for you! Not only are they a poop-promoting food, but they may help keep your diabetes in check too. Prunes with no added sugars are one of the lowest glycemic index levels of all dried fruit. One serving contains 3 grams of natural fiber to help support steady blood sugar levels and digestive health, says NJ-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES author of 2 Day Diabetes Diet. "Often people with diabetes feel they need to steer clear of dried fruit, but that isn't the case," says Palinski-Wade. If prunes aren't all that appealing, you can try them in many ways! Palinski-Wade shares a pro tip for sneaking prunes into your eating routine without the fuss. She recommends pureeing prunes and using them as a sugar substitute in baked goods.
6. Oats
According to the American Heart Association, having diabetes increases the likelihood of high cholesterol, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. "Oats are well known for their cholesterol-lowering effect, and they're great for blood sugars too! I love to incorporate them into my diet as oatmeal for breakfast, energy balls for a quick snack on the go, or into hearty banana oat muffins!" says Caroline Thomason, RD CDCES, a northern Virginia-based dietitian and diabetes educator. If you can think beyond having oatmeal for breakfast, you can include oats any time of the day. "They make a great anytime snack, and packets of instant oats can be taken anywhere. Choose varieties that do not have added sugar," says Magill. Our trusty Overnight Steel-Cut Oats recipe offers vitamins B12 and E and 7 grams of fiber to better meet fiber goals. And our Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Balls will help you beat an afternoon slump.
7. Berries
Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries contain many antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids. Antioxidant levels have shown to be lower with diabetes, per a 2019 study in Advances in Food and Nutrition Research. Bioactive compounds like antioxidants may improve insulin sensitivity, which improves blood sugar control and could combat diabetes complications. "Out of all the different kinds of fruit, berries are one of the most blood-sugar-friendly due to their high fiber content and low glycemic effect. One cup of berries, for example, will pack 5 grams of fiber for just 15 g of total carbs!" says Thomason. Raspberries bring the highest amounts of fiber, with 9 grams in one cup, nearly one-third of what's needed daily!
8. Nuts
Nuts pack an impressive nutrition trio of fiber, protein and healthy unsaturated fats. And they're low in carbohydrates, making them ideal to include in a diabetes-friendly diet. Whether almonds, walnuts, peanuts or pecans, nuts are filling and can lessen between-meal hunger. "Pistachios are a good source of plant protein and fiber with 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup serving, says Burgess." Other winning nutrients in nuts are iron, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium. With that, magnesium might aid in blood sugar control per a 2023 study in Nutrients. "To spice up or change the flavor of your almonds, add cinnamon and sugar, cocoa powder, ranch powder, salt and vinegar or Parmesan cheese," says Molly Snyder, RDN, LDN. If you're not so nuts over nuts, try nut butter and use it as a dip for sliced apples, strawberries or unsweetened banana chips.
9. Apples
Gut health supports overall health, and that includes diabetes health too. Imbalance in your gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, can drive inflammation and insulin resistance–worsening diabetes, according to a 2020 study in Biomedicines. Apples may boost gut health with their prebiotic fiber, which feeds healthy gut bacteria (probiotics) so they can live. "Envy apples provide 3 grams of fiber per serving along with antioxidants and a satisfying crunch and flavor. What makes Envy apples so appealing is that their flesh stays whiter for longer, making them a great snack option for people who don't love eating sliced apples that are slightly browned," says Manaker.
What to Look for in a Diabetes-Friendly Snack
Follow Fiber: Regularly eating fiber may help improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control, per a 2021 review in the Journal of Functional Foods. Consider high-fiber foods that offer three or more grams of fiber per serving.
Pick Protein: Snacks with protein are more likely to regulate your hunger. It can also help you maintain a steady rise in blood sugar and make your snack more satisfying.
Choose Healthy Fats: According to the ADA, unsaturated fats may have protective benefits to markers of heart health like cholesterol. That's good news for all people, especially people with diabetes who are prone to heart disease.
Fight Back with Phytonutrients: Plant-forward foods such as whole grains, seeds, fruits and vegetables provide phytonutrients. Phytonutrients function like antioxidants and help stave off inflammation and enhance immune health, according to a 2021 review in the Journal of Clinical and Transformational Research.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, your need for between-meal eats depends on multiple factors, including your health history, whether you're on insulin, your physical activity levels and your eating pattern. Aiming for the right balance that aligns with your lifestyle and health goals is vital to managing your diabetes. Talk to your primary care provider, registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator to develop a customized meal plan that considers the timing of your meals and snacks. Our library of recipes, meal plans, and articles at Diabetes Diet Center can support and empower you to manage your diabetes your way.
Vicky Kaushal gave his diet a skip as he was pictured enjoying some mouth-watering delicacies in Ahmedabad.
Vicky is currently promoting his upcoming film 'Zara Hatke Zara Bachke' in the city and he decided to make a pit-stop to try some of the popular Gujarati snacks.
The actor was seen gorging on Jalebis, khandavi, khaman and fafda during his city visit.
The film, scheduled for a June 2 release, also features Sara Ali Khan, Rakesh Bedi, Anubha Fatehpuria, Neeraj Sood, Sharib Hashmi and Inaamul Haq in lead roles.
Helmed by Laxman Utekar, the film revolves around a middle-class couple struggling in their marriage.
The story revolves around two college sweethearts, Kapil and Saumya (Vicky and Sara), getting married. They are pretty much in love, but now they are each other's mortal enemies, and wish to go their separate ways.
This simple recipe can be made by tossing some sprouts with chopped coriander leaves, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, green chilies, lemon juice, sauth chutney, red chili powder, salt and cumin powder. Top it with sev, mix well and enjoy!
Gen Z and millennials demand a lot from food. They’re accustomed to an on-the-go lifestyle in which convenient snacks are the norm rather than three sit-down meals daily. Even then, millennials and Gen Zers want their snacks to taste good, be nutritious, and feel like a whole experience—and better if the snacks are worth posting about on social media or to start a viral trend.
“What we’ve really seen is because they are big snackers, they want variety and diversity,” Nick Graham, global insights and analytics chief at Mondelez, the packaged food giant behind Oreo, Ritz and more, told Fortune.
Graham gave the example of limited edition Oreo packs, which included a version with Lady Gaga-themed cookies and another that comes in a spicy chicken flavor. Those products, he said, were designed to offer consumers something familiar, but with a twist, to elevate the snacking experience for Gen Z and millennials.
“We think about them not just as a product, but a whole consumer experience,” Graham said. “I think what’s as important for these generations isn’t just the flavor of the product.”
According to Mondelez, there is an “increasing interest in more experiential snacks, [and] novel or exotic flavors,” and 80% of the Gen Z and millennials are open to trying new flavors.
“Gen Z and millennials have grown up in a world of choice,” Graham said. “What we’ve seen is their needs from snacking are much more diverse.”
The eating patterns for Gen Z and millennials have been shifting for years, according to Mondelez, due to busier lifestyles, affordability, and more choices. There is also a generational difference in how snacking is perceived. Graham noted that older generations viewed snacking as a treat or indulgence, but Gen Z and millennials grew up at a time when mealtime was becoming “fragmented,” making snack-eating more mainstream.
Younger generations are fueling the snacking trend. Seventy-four percent of U.S. consumers under 35 snack at least a few times daily, according to data insights company 84.51°, compared to just 50% for those over 35.
And social media plays an important role in feeding the need for new and innovative items. TikTok, in particular, is where the younger generation seeks suggestions and discovers food trends.
When it comes to snacking, TikTok is the top platform for Gen Zers seeking ideas for what items to purchase, according to a survey by the social media company earlier this year. TikTok’s data also showed that 77% of the users tried new things after the platform’s fellow snackaholics inspired them to. For example, clips about making ice cream out of cottage cheese and slabs of yogurt “barks” have had tens of millions of views, TikTok found.
Graham noted that social media marketing of snack brands like Mondelez factor into whether products become popular among younger generations. Services like TikTok, he said, have given birth to food trends like combining sweet elements with savory dishes, or vice versa.
“All of these flavors are coming from this desire for novel experiences,” Graham said. “I think even more so just because of the amount of stimulus that these two generations are getting.”
Taste and flavor remain the main criteria for choosing any snack to buy, with 67% of the shoppers surveyed by 84.51° aged between 18 and 34 saying it’s their top priority. Across all age groups, 72% of shoppers prioritized taste over convenience or ability to fulfill their cravings.
“The younger shopper is a little bit more demanding because they know they can be and that’s how they’ve grown up, and I think the industry responds pretty well to that,” Alexandra Trott, 84.51°’s director of insights, told Fortune. “So the younger generation just wants it all.”
Junk food, which includes potato chips or sugary drinks, has been linked to health risks like obesity and diabetes, but Gen Z and millennials tend to find balance between healthy and not-so-healthy treats they consume. For instance, younger shoppers often check product ingredients when they shop and therefore, opt for yogurt-based snacks for breakfast, for instance.
“They’re looking for something that has a little bit more nutritional value,” Trott told Fortune. She gave the example of granola bars and protein bars being used as meal replacements, often in the mornings. Even with nutrition in mind, Trott pointed out that consumers, primarily Gen Z and millennials, would not sacrifice on taste.
Gen Z and millennials aren’t just rebelling by swapping meals for snacks—they want something ‘experiential’ for TikTok, Oreo’s analytics chief says - Fortune Read More
RCPL will launch Alan's Bugles in Kerala and will be gradually expanded across India (Representational)
New Delhi:
Reliance Retail has partnered with General Mills, a leading US-based multinational manufacturer of branded processed consumer foods, entering into the fast-growing snacks segment as per its ambition into the FMCG segment.
Its step-down FMCG arm Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) on Friday announced its foray into the western snacks category with the launch of Alan's Bugles in the Indian market.
"For the first time ever, snackers in India can enjoy Bugles, the international corn chips snacks brand with more than 50 years of heritage, owned by General Mills and available across major global markets including the UK, US and the Middle East," said a joint statement.
Under the brand Alan's Bugles, RCPL will offer a top-notch snacking experience, which will be available at pocket-friendly price points starting from Rs 10 in flavours such as Original (Salted), Tomato and Cheese.
RCPL will launch Alan's Bugles in Kerala and will be gradually expanded across India.
RCPL spokesperson said the launch of Alan's snacks range starting with Bugles is yet another step towards expanding our footprint in the FMCG market.
"With the launch of Alan's, we want to ensure that the aspirational Indian consumer gets to taste and enjoy rich and premium offerings to satiate their snacking needs. We intend to actively participate in the growing western snacks market with a greater focus on taste profile and overall experience," it said.
General Mills India Finance Director Sheshadri Savalgi said: "General Mills is thrilled to have one of its most globally loved brands -- Bugles -- in India. Bugles are iconic cone-shaped corn chips with a light and airy crunch. We look forward to seeing snack lovers across India enjoy Bugles that is loved by consumers globally!" RCPL, the FMCG arm of the country's leading retailer Reliance, is on an expansion drive of its portfolio.
It had recently acquired several businesses which include beverage brands Campa, Sosyo and Raskik, daily essentials under Independence, confectionery under Toffeeman, biscuits under Maliban and home and personal care range under Glimmer and Dozo, among others.
Reliance articulates ambitions to be a relevant player in the USD 110-billion FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) segment.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL), the FMCG arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures, has inked a partnership with General Mills to foray in the western snacks category, it announced on Friday. Through the partnership, Reliance will launch global corn chips brand Alan’s Bugles in India owned by General Mills.
Reliance Consumer’s foray into western snacks will set up competition with brands like PepsiCo's Lays, ITC's Bingo, Balaji Wafers, and a very large unorganised snacks market.A Reliance Consumer spokesperson said in a statement: “We intend to actively participate in the growing western snacks market with greater focus on taste profile and overall experience.”
Sheshadri Savalgi, finance director at General Mills India said in the statement: “What started in 1964 as the first corn chip, has expanded across the globe.”
Recent launches in Reliance’s FMCG portfolio include Campa, Sosyo and Raskik drinks, daily essentials under Independence, confectionery brand Toffeeman, Maliban biscuits and home and personal care brand Glimmer and Dozo.
The company is pushing prices at entry-level packs to compete with established brands in these categories.
Snacking is a habit we all indulge in, whether it be from hunger, thirst or just plain boredom.
Healthy snacks are recommended to keep energy levels up through the day, but when it comes to weight loss, excessive grazing on junk food can put a dent in slimming efforts. While the thought of giving it up entirely can be daunting, one health expert has shared his tips to keep the cravings at bay.
Diet guru Michael Mosley has shared some nifty health tips to give up snacking - and one urges people to eat more of a surprising food group. According to the creator of the Fast 800 diet, eating the right fats is "crucial" to curb appetites and keep you away from the snack cupboard.
But the expert stressed that such fats must be from "good" sources like avocados, olive oil nuts and fish. Unfortunately, this means saturated fats found in most tasty junk treats must still be avoided.
Posting on the Fast 800 Instagram page on Tuesday, Michael said: "Consuming healthy fats curbs the appetite and slows the rate at which the stomach empties - delaying hunger signals. Fats are crucial for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A,D,E and K."
Mosley recommends dieters eat more 'good' fats found in foods like fish, nuts and olive oil(Image: Getty Images)
Mosley also says another key to stop snacking is staying hydrated. Thirst can often be mistaken for hunger and drinking plenty of fluids can also keep you fuller for longer - so keep a bottle or glass by your side to sip regularly.
Finally, slimmers looking to avoid snacks should eat plenty of fibre rich foods. Not only does it expand quicker in the stomach, ensuring feelings of fullness, Mosley states that fibre also induces the release of the "PYY" chemical in the stomach - which reduces appetite.
Examples of fibre rich foods include wholegrain breads, vegetables, and skinned fruits.
Michael Mosley has previously spoken on the importance of protein in weight loss, as both go "hand in hand". He even recommends eating more of the macronutrient as his "top tip" for shedding pounds.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
Chefs are grazing animals, forever playing with ingredients, nibbling at leftovers and then, back home at 1am, trying to conjure a quick bite from whatever is there. In these moments of curiosity and urgency, bizarre snack habits are born. “People think we go home and have elaborate dinners, but give me some string cheese, chilli sauce, a Fab and a Stella and I’ll be happy,” says Jack Stein, the chef director at the Rick Stein group. At work, chefs are surrounded by the finest ingredients. At home, they frequently crave “simple things”, he says.
“You never think about your own fridge and what you’re going to feed yourself,” says Meriel Armitage, the founder of the Club Mexicana restaurants in London. So when chefs arrive home “really late and really hungry”, they improvise – in extraordinary ways. “I guess we’re confident in putting weird combos together that most people would be quite scared of,” she says.
She is not wrong. From Pot Noodle hacks to radical fusions of sweet and savoury, chefs frequently eat things they would never dream of putting on a menu – as the following examples show.
Vanilla ice-cream and wasabi peas
The origin of this curveball is one many will recognise. “I was bored in lockdown,” says Ramael Scully. A chef with too much time on his hands and too many wasabi peas in his cupboards, the co-owner of Scully restaurant in St James’s, central London, decided to crush and sprinkle them over vanilla ice-cream. “The plain flavour and creaminess of the vanilla works beautifully with exhilarating wasabi,” he says. “Close your eyes and you could be eating cream and horseradish, one of my favourite flavour combos. And the colour contrast looks great.”
Buried Babybel Pot Noodle
Tom Aronica, the chef at Bench restaurant in Sheffield, was doing a guest cooking slot at Belzan in Liverpool when, in a moment of post-service giddiness, he revealed this trick – developed with a student housemate – to his host, Belzan’s Sam Grainger. This “top‑tier weirdness” will “change your life”, promises Grainger.
Take one chicken and mushroom Pot Noodle, remove the noodles, drop in a Babybel, reinsert the noodles and add hot water. “It’s like those ice-creams with chewing gum at the bottom, except it’s a cheesy, melted delight in a Pot Noodle,” says Grainger. “It’s a glorious, go-to snack.”
Wotsits with black pepper sriracha
Chefs love to jazz up crisps. Si Toft, the chef-owner at the Dining Room in the Welsh village of Abersoch, seasons Quavers with Worcestershire sauce (“Quick shake to disperse, not saturate”), while, in Northumberland, Pine’s head chef, Ian Waller, can be found dipping Wotsits into black pepper chilli sauces, such as Flying Goose’s sriracha. “This was a Saturday night desperation snack. You’ll try anything zero-effort after a long shift,” says Waller. It proved revelatory: “Spicy, cheesy, umami, delicious.” Other srirachas work to varying degrees, but the Wotsits’ interaction with a black pepper version is “world class”, he says.
Jacob’s cracker, cream cheese, strawberry jam
Adam Reid, the chef at the French in Manchester, has been topping crackers with cream cheese and strawberry jam since childhood. “I don’t think it’s that out-there; it’s like cheese and chutney,” he says, adding that the jam should be used with restraint: “It’s more of a savoury thing with a sweet kick.”
Gherkin-clad skinny fries
For fastidious chefs, shaking vinegar on to chips is far too haphazard. At A Peculiar Tea in Belfast, when skinny fries are served at staff meals, they arrive with a side of thinly sliced dill pickles, which you can fold around a fry or two. That way, you get double crunch and guaranteed vinegary tang in every bite. “You can’t ask for more than that,” says the chef patron, Gemma Austin.
Pom-Bear and Dairy Milk sandwich
A performer friend, “always on the lookout for a quick, mid-show snack”, introduced Sami Harvey, the chef at the Laundry in Brixton, south London, to the delicacy that is a square of Dairy Milk sandwiched between the bellies of two Pom-Bear crisps. “Sweet, salty, crisp outside, soft in the middle; it ticks all the boxes,” she says. “Squeeze the mini-sandwich together so the chocolate starts to soften.”
Vanilla ice-cream and pickles
It first happened in McDonald’s – an accidental meeting of gherkin and McFlurry that revealed to Lungile Mhlanga, the owner of the doughnut cafe the Treats Club in Shoreditch, east London, “how good they were together”. Acting in a similar way to the salt in salted caramel, a salty pickle “balances the ice-cream perfectly”, she says. Use pickles with a sweeter flavour profile, such as Kühne’s sweet and sour gherkins, and you may well be taken aback by the result: “It’s a ‘don’t knock it till you’ve tried it’ snack I swear by.”
Vegan instant noodle sandwich
To achieve this double-carb heaven, shop around for what Club Mexicana’s Armitage calls a “ninja vegan product” – vegan “chicken” noodles. (Tesco and Sainsbury’s do own-brand versions.) At home, she likes to boost these with chilli flakes, sesame seeds and spring onions, before slapping them between slices of white bread; vegan butter is optional. Drain the noodles, but not too much: “You want a bit of juice – that’s where the flavour is and it’ll soak into the bread. These expand in your stomach like you’ve had a feast.”
Mash sandwiches
Talking of double carbs, in his early days in hotel kitchens, Gopi Chandran, the executive chef at Sopwell House in St Albans, would often find himself making mashed potato, which he took to munching between slices of burnt toast leftover at breakfast: “I added chopped bacon, mayonnaise, cheddar. Then the sauce chef made a fresh fish batter. I’d dip the whole sandwich in and fry it. The ultimate! We’d cut this into triangles, alongside triple‑cooked duck fat chips. Now I make a fresh mash sandwich with bacon and jalapeños.”
Pringles with caviar
For years, Alex Webb – who has an eponymous restaurant at the InterContinental London Park Lane – has been dipping Pringles into leftover sauces and purees as a post-service snack. But sour cream and chive Pringles with caviar stays with him as a dream coupling. At a previous restaurant, he even served this combo as a canapé with crème fraîche and fresh chives. “The fishiness of the eggs and the saltiness work well together. Pringles are quite addictive anyway; adding caviar brings it to another level.”
Red-wine-marinated Maltesers
A friend taught Grace Bryson, the chef at London Shell Co in Highgate, to pop a Malteser in her glass of red to create “a little treat” that she has grown to love. She recommends using a rich, full-bodied red. Wine aficionados, however, may need some persuading. “You should have seen the look my sommelier gave me when I mentioned it,” she says. “She was fuming. Proper death stare.”
Sushi-seasoned fries
Judy Joo, the founder of the Seoul Bird restaurants in London, likes to use sushinoko, a dehydrated vinegar and seasoning powder designed to dress sushi, “sprinkled liberally on fries. With a hint of sweetness, it’s the ultimate salt and vinegar.”
Fried egg and apricot jam sandwiches
Long before he became the executive chef at the Riding House cafes in London, Henry Omereye worked in a factory making takeaway boxes. One morning, in the canteen, he ordered fried eggs, toast and apricot jam – intending to eat them separately – but, after realising he was running late, combined the lot and wolfed it down: “It just worked. I’ve been having that for breakfast every once in a while since. Everyone looks at me weird, like: ‘What you doing?’ but it tastes amazing. For some reason, the jam seems to heighten the flavour of the egg.”
French’s mustard on Ryvita with Oxo dip
“Chefs are surrounded by food all our their working life. At midnight, at home, it’s different. You want a naughty fix,” says Neil Bentinck, the chef-owner at Skosh in York. Mustard-topped Ryvita is quick and tasty. he says: “I’ll eat that, stick my hand in a jar of pickled chillies and, if it’s Friday night, I might treat myself to a bit of cheese, raw vegetables and an Oxo cube.” Sorry, an Oxo cube? “I’ll sprinkle an Oxo – the classic chicken one tastes best – and dip cucumber, carrot or celery into it. It’s like umami salt.”
Pot Noodle nachos
“My snacking habits are normal, to me,” says Scott Smith, the head chef at the Oarsman in Marlow. But, like his wife, you may struggle to understand his fondness for dunking oatcakes in Bisto gravy seasoned with cracked white pepper (“That’s class”) or his habit of tipping a Pot Noodle over Doritos. “The dream combo is Cool Original Doritos with a Bombay Bad Boy,” he says. “But, to be honest, they all work.”
Cheesestrings and Frank’s RedHot
In the mid-00s, Stein drove around the US exploring barbecue food. During the trip, he picked up the habit of dipping one new discovery – Cheesestrings – into another: hot cayenne or chilli sauces. “It’s a mild cheese; it needs a lift,” he says. “String it really efficiently, then just dip it into the top of the bottle.”
Chocolate fudge cake and feta cheese
An accidental early convert to the amplified flavours of salty chocolate, Kemal Demirasal used to eat this sweet, umami duo as an after-school snack. “The saltiness of the feta against the chocolate makes you salivate. To me, it’s a killer combination,” says the chef-founder at the Counter in Notting Hill, west London.
Frozen bocconcini and honey
Little frozen balls of mild and creamy fior di latte (cow’s milk) mozzarella, preferably dipped in rosemary honey, are “just like ice-cream bombes,” according to Masha Rener, the head chef at Lina Stores in London.
‘Sad salad’ sandwich
Ever wondered what to do with yesterday’s lemon-and-oil-dressed green salad? “Do not throw out wilted, lemony greens,” orders Jacob Kenedy, the creator of Bocca di Lupo and Plaquemine Lock in London. Instead, sandwich the leaves between slices of dense, buttered brown bread. “The crispy-limp, lemon-oily, bittersweet leaves are delicious against creamy butter and earthy brown bread. Nothing sad about it at all,” he says.
Salty fries and McDonald’s milkshakes
You may think this is an urban myth, a specious TikTok trend or something only American children do, but chefs are on board. “Strawberry milkshake kind of makes sense. Strawberries and tomatoes have many shared [flavour] components. It’s like having ketchup, but with temperature contrast,” says Chet Sharma, the chef-founder at BiBi in Mayfair, west London. Liz Cottam, the owner of Home in Leeds, agrees that the sweet, creamy and salty combo is “a vibe”. She has gone even further; she loves dipping fries in the caramel-adjacent sauce dulce de leche.
Walkers Sensations Thai sweet chilli crisps and Haribo Tangfastics
Robert Pearce, the executive chef at Down Hall hotel in Essex, was at a family party when he made this bold culinary breakthrough. “One of the kids had mixed them together. I knew chilli and chocolate go well together, so I thought I’d try it and it ended up being quite nice.” There is a tension between salty, sour and sweetness in this chaotic mix: “They almost cut through each other, but you still get the chilli heat at the end.” There is an added bonus, too: “Once it’s all mixed in a bowl, no one wants to share with you.”
Mixed Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a vitamin powerhouse and a great snack choice. They give you long-lasting energy and keep you satisfied since they are loaded with good fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. The best options include almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
Mixed Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds are a vitamin powerhouse and a great snack choice. They give you long-lasting energy and keep you satisfied since they are loaded with good fats, fiber, and plant-based protein. The best options include almonds, walnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
An RCB fan was left utterly disappointed after the team lost the match against GT. Photo: Twitter/Prakriti
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
An RCB fan was left disappointed after the team's match against Gujarat Titans.
The fan had ordered snacks for everyone in her PG.
Swiggy Instamart had an epic response for her.
The latest IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Titans was intense. Despite Virat Kohli's undefeated 101 runs, the team could not attain victory, leaving fans utterly disappointed.
One fan was so sure of RCB winning the match that she decided to celebrate even before the results. And so, she decided to treat her whole PG with snacks. Well, that didn't go down that well. The incident came to light after a Twitter user shared the details on the social media platform.
A Twitter user named Prakriti shared a picture of several packets of chips and told netizens that it was her roommate's too-soon celebratory treats. She wrote, "My roommate ordered snacks for the ENTIRE PG from Instamart coz she thought RCB will win."
Related News
Netizens were kind and spoke of how they related to the girl who had high expectations for her team. Many tried consoling her and even giving solutions to change the narrative around RCB's defeat. Others shared similar experiences and related to her emotions.
One stated, "I took my friends out for dinner after Virat's century thinking RCB will win the match, by the time we returned back I saw we lost." Another person commented, "Tell her to distribute them. Cos they won HEARTS today (sic)."
Meanwhile, some took jibs at the girl for ordering snacks even before the match concluded. "They were celebrating after Virat's century as if match was already over," wrote one. Another stated, "She brought A to Z varieties of snacks just to get knocked out again."
Related News
Swiggy Instamart too joined the netizens who poked fun at the girl. However, the delivery app stood down with its epic reply. Replying to one of the comments, the delivery app wrote, "Now you all order tissue for her."
What do you think of the epic response from Swiggy?
The fans of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) were waiting eagerly for their team to make it to the playoffs but end up disappointed as the team lost to Gujarat Titans. RCB were eliminated from the current season of the IPL after their loss on Sunday.
Even after Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten century in the match to take RCB to 197-5, his efforts proved in vain as the Gujarat Titans chased down the total with Shubman Gill also slamming an unbeaten ton.
A woman shared on Twitter how her roommate had ordered snacks for the entire PG in the hope that RCB would win but alas, it ended in heartbreak for her. The woman named Prakriti (@idkyar) shared a photo of the snacks that her roommate had ordered from Swiggy Instamart, and even they gave a cheeky reply.
“My roommate ordered snacks for the ENTIRE PG from instamart coz she thought RCB will win,” she tweeted along with a crying face emoji.
my roommate ordered snacks for the ENTIRE PG from instamart coz she thought RCB will win 😭 pic.twitter.com/HdAVzFggiu
— The Simple Trader (Aditya Singhania) (@Simple_trader_) May 22, 2023
“Poor girl. Please hug her from my side,” commented a user. “Gotta love RCB fans. Most of us will never learn,” said another. “I took my friends out for dinner after Virat’s century thinking RCB will win the match, by the time we returned back I saw we lost,” shared another user. “Suffering from premature celebration,” joked yet another.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/High-Fiber-Snacks-for-People-with-Diabetes-f2d5cb952b504ef2ba987a42b21293e7.jpg)
