Which Snack Do Drinkers Love Most? This Simple ₹10 Treat Tops the List!

Just like chai goes with biscuits, pav pairs with bhaji, and butter melts perfectly into toast—there are some combinations that feel like they were just meant to be. They complement each other so naturally that you can’t imagine one without the other. And in the world of drinking, there’s one such iconic pair that deserves a special mention: alcohol and spicy peanuts.

Yes, you heard that right. Whether it’s rum, whisky, beer, or vodka—chances are you’ve seen (or devoured) a packet of spicy roasted peanuts alongside it. Simple, spicy, crunchy, and unbelievably affordable—just Rs 10 per packet—this humble snack has become the unofficial national sidekick to every peg poured across the country.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this combo so popular, where these magical peanuts come from, and how big their market really is.

The Go-To Snack for Alcohol Lovers

While drinking, people enjoy a variety of munchies—papad, chana, chips, salad, and various kinds of namkeen. But no matter what’s on the menu, spicy roasted peanuts consistently steal the spotlight. Their bold flavors and satisfying crunch make them a perfect match with the sharpness of alcohol.

Sensing this growing demand, several snack brands started packaging flavored peanuts in Rs 10 pouches—perfect for casual parties, roadside gatherings, or even a solo drink at home. Affordable, tasty, and filling—they’ve become a crowd favorite across all income groups.

Where Do These Peanuts Come From?

Peanuts are grown extensively across India, with major production coming from states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Farmers cultivate peanuts in both Kharif and Rabi seasons, making it a dependable cash crop.

But the benefits don’t end at just the nuts. Once harvested, the remaining plant material is often used as fodder for cattle, making peanut farming both sustainable and economically valuable.

A Billion-Rupee Market in Your Hands

That tiny Rs 10 packet you’re snacking on? It’s part of a giant industry. India’s packaged snack food market is valued at around Rs 40,000 to 45,000 crore. Of this, the market for peanuts and peanut-based snacks like masala peanuts, roasted peanuts, and flavored varieties is estimated at a whopping Rs 8,000 to 10,000 crore.

Some of the top names in this space include Haldiram, Bikanervala, Bikaji, Balaji, Haldiram Nagpur, Legend Snacks, and several regional brands that dominate local markets with their unique flavor offerings.

Local vendors and small businesses have also jumped into the game, producing their own versions of spiced peanuts and selling them in every corner of the country—from liquor shops and street stalls to train stations and grocery stores.

Why Do Snacks Go Hand-in-Hand with Drinking?

There’s more than just taste at play here. Eating while drinking actually slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream. When you drink on an empty stomach, the alcohol reaches your system much faster—often resulting in a quicker (and sometimes more intense) buzz.

Snacks, especially ones rich in protein and fat like peanuts, act as a buffer. They soak up some of the alcohol and slow down the digestive process. Plus, the salty-spicy kick of peanuts enhances the overall flavor of the drink, making the entire experience more enjoyable. So it’s not just about cravings—it’s science and taste working hand-in-hand.