As India prepares for Diwali in early November 2026, traditional sweets and savoury snacks are once again taking centre stage. From kaju katli and besan ladoo to chakli, chivda and regional delicacies, festive favourites remain essential to celebrations. However, rising ingredient costs and increased food-safety checks are shaping this year's festive food market.
Rising Prices of Traditional Indian Sweets
One of the biggest food stories this festive season is the rising cost of mithai. According to a report published by Business Standard on October 17, prices of sweets across India have increased by approximately 10–15% compared with the previous festive season. Higher sugar and milk prices, weather-related disruptions and increased ingredient costs are among the factors affecting sweet manufacturers and retailers.
Popular sweets such as laddoos in southern India, barfi in northern India, Bengali sandesh and Odisha's chhena poda are all part of the seasonal market. These price increases may encourage families to compare prices, buy smaller quantities or choose assorted sweet boxes for gifting.
Regional Delicacies Remain Popular
Despite higher costs, regional sweets and homemade snacks continue to play an important role in Diwali celebrations.
In Maharashtra, traditional Diwali faral includes chakli, karanji, shankarpali, chivda and ladoos. A report from Pune published on October 11 noted that demand for these snacks was increasing, while raw-material costs had pushed prices up by around 10–15%. Gift hampers and advance orders were also gaining attention.
Elsewhere, families celebrate with Gujarati mohanthal, South Indian Mysore Pak, Bengali sandesh and North Indian peda. These regional specialities demonstrate how India's festive food traditions vary from one state to another while bringing families together.
Healthier Sweets and Modern Festive Snacks
Another emerging theme is the search for alternatives to conventional festive treats. Some consumers are exploring sweets made with dates, jaggery, nuts and millets, alongside baked snacks and roasted makhana.
Modern interpretations of classic mithai are also attracting interest, including fusion flavours and premium gift boxes. However, individual preferences vary, and consumers should check ingredient lists and nutrition information rather than assuming that every sugar-free or natural-ingredient product is automatically healthier.
Food Safety Takes Centre Stage
Food safety is another important issue ahead of Diwali. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has asked states to increase surveillance against adulterated, counterfeit and unsafe festive food products. Checks are particularly important for milk products, sweets, edible oils, ghee and savoury snacks, which see higher demand during festival periods.
Consumers can reduce risks by buying from reputable sellers, checking packaging and use-by information where applicable, and avoiding products with unusual smells, damaged packaging or questionable storage conditions.
A Festive Season Balancing Tradition and Change
Diwali 2026 reflects a familiar balance between tradition and changing consumer expectations. Although higher prices may affect household budgets, regional recipes, homemade faral and festive gifting remain central to celebrations.
For food businesses, the challenge is to manage ingredient costs while maintaining quality, freshness and customer trust. For consumers, thoughtful shopping and attention to food safety can help keep celebrations enjoyable.
Ultimately, Diwali's food traditions are about more than sweets and snacks. They bring families together, preserve regional culinary heritage and create memories that continue across generations.
