Traditionally, chakri are savory wheels made from extruded rice and chickpea flour dough that's spiraled, then fried, but Trader Joe's is offering a different experience with its Spicy Chakri Mix. This mix made with chickpea and rice flour features thin pieces that are formed into spiny designs and fried, so they're different in shape but full of all the same crunch as ever. The mix also includes fried curry leaves and peanuts, all of which are coated in a hot seasoning.
Trader Joe's notes, " In parts of India, there are entire stores devoted to snack mixes known as namkeen, which often contain chakri. After experiencing namkeen and specifically chakri for ourselves in India, we decided to engage our top supplier of Indian meals to create a special version."
Remixed Indian Snacks
Trader Joe's Spicy Chakri Mix Features Thin Strips Instead of Discs
Trend Themes
1. Innovative Snack Shapes - There is an opportunity for snack companies to create new and exciting shapes for traditional snacks like chakri.
2. Ethnic Snack Mixes - More companies can create snack mixes that feature traditional ethnic snacks, like namkeen, showcasing diverse flavors to global consumers.
3. Spicy Coatings - With the popularity of spice and heat in flavors, there is an opportunity for food companies to create new and creative spicy seasonings for snacks and other foods.
Industry Implications
1. Snack Foods - The snack food industry can capitalize on creating new and innovative snacks that appeal to younger generations who seek variety and authenticity.
2. Ethnic Foods - The ethnic foods industry can expand its consumer base by introducing traditional ethnic snacks and mixes to a wider, international audience.
3. Seasonings - The seasoning industry can offer new, unique, and spicy flavor seasonings for snack foods and other products, appealing to consumers seeking hot and bold flavors.