Protein snacks are no longer limited to protein bars, shakes or plain nuts. As people look for convenient high protein snacks that are also enjoyable to eat, savoury and flavoured options are becoming an interesting part of everyday snacking.

From refreshing pudina and bold pepper to tangy mango achari and Korean-inspired kimchi, there are now plenty of flavours to explore. This is especially useful for people who prefer crunchy, savoury snacks but still want to include more protein in their daily routine.

One ingredient that fits naturally into this trend is edamame. Edamame is a soy-based food that provides plant protein and can be enjoyed in different forms, including crunchy roasted snacks.

What Makes Edamame a Popular Protein Snack?

Edamame refers to young soybeans. Soy foods are naturally a source of plant protein, making edamame a popular ingredient among people looking for plant-based protein snacks.

When roasted, edamame can also develop a satisfying crunch, making it an alternative to more conventional crunchy snacks.

This combination of protein, crunch and flavour makes roasted edamame particularly suitable for snacking between meals, at work, while travelling or during an evening break.

5 Flavours to Explore in Protein Snacks

Different seasonings can completely change the snacking experience. Here are some flavour profiles worth trying.

1. Pudina: Fresh and Refreshing

Pudina, or mint, is a familiar flavour in Indian cuisine. Its refreshing taste works particularly well with savoury snacks.

A pudina-flavoured protein snack can be a good choice for people who prefer something lighter and more refreshing rather than very spicy flavours.

For example, Tata Simply Better's Perky Pudina Flavoured Edamame combines crunchy edamame with minty and savoury seasoning. The product provides 10g protein per serving and is roasted rather than fried. 

This makes it an interesting option for those looking for a crunchy plant-based protein snack with an Indian-inspired flavour.

2. Pepper: Bold and Savoury

If you enjoy stronger savoury flavours, pepper is a classic choice.

Pepper can add warmth and sharpness without requiring a complicated flavour profile. A pepper-flavoured protein snack can work well as an afternoon snack, desk snack or travel snack.

Tata Simply Better's Punchy Pepper Flavoured Edamame is part of its current flavoured high-protein edamame collection. 

The bold seasoning makes this type of snack particularly suitable for people who enjoy savoury and spicy flavours.

3. Mango Achari: Tangy and Indian-Inspired

Mango and pickle-inspired flavours are especially familiar to Indian taste preferences.

Mango achari flavour combines tanginess and spice, creating a distinctive profile that can make a simple snack more exciting.

Tata Simply Better's Mango Achari Style Edamame Mix brings this flavour profile to a crunchy edamame snack and provides 7g of protein per serving. 

It's a good example of how traditional Indian-inspired flavours can be incorporated into modern protein snack ideas.

4. Korean Kimchi: Tangy, Savoury and Spicy

Kimchi has become increasingly recognised beyond Korean cuisine, particularly among people interested in bold and global flavours.

A kimchi-flavoured snack can combine tangy, savoury and mildly spicy notes.

Tata Simply Better's Korean Kimchi Style Edamame Mix uses Korean kimchi-inspired seasoning and provides 7g protein per serving. It also includes cranberries and green raisins for additional flavour and texture. 

This makes it an interesting choice for people who want something different from traditional Indian snack flavours.

5. Mix and Match Different Flavours

One of the advantages of choosing flavoured snacks is the ability to match flavours with different moods and cravings.

For example:

TSB currently offers these four flavoured edamame options as part of its Flavoured High Protein Edamame collection. 

Flavoured Protein Snacks vs Plain Protein Snacks

Plain protein-rich foods can be nutritious, but eating the same foods repeatedly can become monotonous.

Flavoured options offer another way to add variety.

For example, instead of always reaching for plain nuts, you could rotate between:

• Roasted edamame

• Flavoured edamame

• Roasted chickpeas

• Spiced nuts

• Greek yogurt with savoury toppings

• Paneer cubes with seasoning

• Sprouts chaat

The important thing is to look at the overall nutrition profile, including protein, fibre, ingredients and serving size, rather than choosing a snack based only on its flavour.

Are Flavoured Edamame Snacks Good for Evening Snacking?

Evening is a common time for snack cravings. Many people automatically reach for biscuits, chips, namkeen or other convenient foods.

A high protein snack can be a useful alternative when you want something more substantial.

Flavoured roasted edamame can work particularly well for people who prefer crunchy and savoury foods. Because it doesn't require preparation, it can also be convenient for keeping at your desk, carrying during travel or enjoying during a break.

TSB's edamame snacks are designed around this convenience. Its Perky Pudina product, for example, is available in a compact 28g pack and is positioned for everyday and on-the-go snacking. 

How to Choose the Right Protein Snack Flavour

Choosing the right flavour ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.

If You Like Refreshing Flavours

Try pudina or other mint-based seasonings.

If You Prefer Spicy Snacks

Pepper and chilli-based flavours may be more suitable.

If You Enjoy Indian Flavours

Mango achari-style seasoning can provide a familiar tangy and spicy profile.

If You Like International Flavours

Kimchi-inspired snacks can add a different taste to your regular snack routine.

If You Like Crunchy Snacks

Look for roasted or baked options that provide the texture you enjoy while also contributing protein to your snack.

What Should You Look for in a Protein Snack?

Not every snack marketed as a protein snack has the same nutritional profile. Before choosing one, consider:

Protein Per Serving

Check the nutrition label to understand how much protein one serving actually provides.

Ingredients

Look at the ingredient list and understand the main ingredients, seasonings and additions.

Serving Size

A snack can fit into your routine more easily when you understand the recommended serving size.

Flavour and Texture

The best snack is one you genuinely enjoy. Choosing flavours you like can make it easier to maintain variety in your snack routine.

Preparation Method

If you prefer roasted snacks, check whether the product is roasted, baked or fried. For example, TSB's Perky Pudina edamame is described as roasted, not fried.

Why Plant-Based Protein Snacks Are Worth Exploring

Plant-based protein doesn't have to come from complicated recipes.

Foods such as soybeans, edamame, chickpeas, lentils, peas, nuts and seeds can all contribute to a varied diet.

Plant-based protein snacks can therefore be useful for people who want to explore different protein sources or simply add more variety to their snack choices.

Edamame is particularly convenient because it can be turned into a ready-to-eat crunchy snack and paired with a wide range of seasonings.

Final Thoughts

From refreshing pudina to bold pepper, tangy mango achari and Korean-inspired kimchi, flavoured protein snacks are bringing more variety to everyday snacking.

Edamame is a particularly interesting base for this trend because it combines plant-based protein with a naturally satisfying crunch. Flavouring it with different seasonings makes it possible to enjoy the same protein-rich ingredient in completely different ways.

If you enjoy experimenting with flavours, TSB's offers options ranging from Perky Pudina and Punchy Pepper to Mango Achari Style and Korean Kimchi Style. 

The next time you're looking for a high protein snack, don't limit yourself to the usual bars and shakes. Exploring different flavours can make protein-rich snacking more enjoyable, convenient and varied.

FAQs

1. What are flavoured protein snacks?

Flavoured protein snacks are protein-rich foods seasoned with different ingredients to add taste and variety. They can include roasted edamame, nuts, chickpeas and other savoury snacks.

2. Is edamame a good protein snack?

Yes, edamame is a plant-based source of protein and can be enjoyed as a convenient snack. Roasted edamame also provides a crunchy texture that makes it suitable for savoury snacking.

3. What are some popular flavours for protein snacks?

Popular flavour profiles include pudina, pepper, chilli, cheese, barbecue, achari and kimchi. The best flavour depends on individual taste preferences.

4. What is the difference between plain and flavoured edamame?

Plain edamame has a naturally mild, slightly nutty taste, while flavoured edamame is seasoned with ingredients such as mint, pepper, achari spices or kimchi-inspired seasoning.

5. What are some good plant-based protein snacks?

Roasted edamame, roasted chickpeas, nuts, seeds and some soy-based snacks are examples of plant-based protein snack options.

6. Is roasted edamame a crunchy snack?

Yes. Roasting can give edamame a crunchy texture, making it suitable for people who enjoy crunchy savoury snacks.

7. What flavoured edamame options does Tata Simply Better offer?

The current Tata Simply Better collection features Punchy Pepper, Perky Pudina, Mango Achari Style and Korean Kimchi Style flavoured edamame snacks.