Best Moong Dal Snacks
Moong dal is a snack that most people enjoy as it is rich in proteins, low in carbs, and contains negligible to no sugar. Whether as a tea-time snack or for a quick pre-meal munch, this savory snack is loved by people of all ages. We have provided you with a list of the best quality moong dals available in the market. See below to know more.
1. Haldiram's Nagpur Moong Dal
This snack made with fried moong lentils is a characteristic Nagpur style snack, which comes in a stand-up zip-lock pouch. The packaging ensures that the snack remains crunchy and fresh for long. It is also easy to store and reuse. As the snack contains no sugar, it is safe for people with diabetes. It also has zero trans fat and cholesterol.
Compared with other savory snacks, the amount of sodium per serving is fairly less in this snack (around 1% daily value). The moong dal is processed and packed following the stringent FSSAI food safety guidelines. The fried moong dal snack remains fresh for 8 months from that date of manufacturing. To ensure that the product does not lose its taste and texture, store it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
2. Bikaji Moong Dal
Moong daal is a traditional Indian salty, fried split green gram snack often consumed between meals or during teatime. Bikaji is a pioneer in such Indian snacks and known for its flavorful taste.
It contains no added flavours or preservatives apart from edible vegetable oil, iodised salt and an acidity regulator.
3. Aakash Moong Dal
Moong dal is made with actual moong pulses containing protein, fibers, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It is safe for people with heart diseases and high cholesterol levels in the body, as it contains no trans fat and cholesterol. This moong dal uses typical traditional spices and is of the authentic Indore moong dal variety. This savory snack, which is loved by people of all ages, is processed in a hygienic environment. The shelf life of the product is 6 months.
4. Bikano Moong Dal
This moong dal snack is made with 75% husked green gram and contains dry raw mango powder, enhancing its taste. Not only does the snack taste good, but it is also good for you as it contains no sugar, trans fat, or even cholesterol. As it is made with gram (lentil), it contains 12% daily value of protein required for you. This product is suitable for vegetarians. Store the product in a cool and dry place, and transfer the contents to an airtight container after opening the pack.
5. Shekhaji Namkeen Moong Dal
Made with split green gram (80%), this Rajasthani namkeen snack is tasty and healthy. It contains no MSG or added colors and preservatives. There is no cholesterol, zero trans fat, and no sugar. The snack has a short shelf life of just six months and should be consumed within six months of the date of packaging. The snack is 100% vegetarian.
6. Bhikharam Chandmal Moong Dal
This savory snack has a natural mild sweetness that comes from the split gram lentils (78%). It also has a subtle tanginess that comes from lemon powder that is added to the snack. The snack contains no gluten, no trans fat, no cholesterol, and no sugar. This moong dal snack is rich in protein but contains low amounts of carbohydrates, which is good for snacking.
It is hygienically packed following FSSAI guidelines. To keep the snack fresh and crisp, always store it in a cool, dry place and transfer contents to an airtight container post opening the pack.
Buying Guide
Calories
Moong dal is a healthy snack as it contains mostly real grams (lentils) and is rich in protein. But these protein-rich snacks are fried, which means that these contain a lot of calories. Typically a serving can contain 130 kcal to 150 kcal. Just quick math will help you decide the product with a lower calorie ratio per serving.
Fat
Fried foods are bound to contain edible cooking oil, which adds to the fat quotient. But not all fats are bad for you; it is mostly the trans fat and cholesterol that makes you unhealthy and causes health issues in the long run. So choose the products that mention zero calories and zero trans fat. Check the nutritional information on the back of the pack. It provides the approximate nutritional information required to make an informed buying decision.
Palmolein oil
Some manufacturers use palmolein oil for frying the lentils. This oil has almost 40% monounsaturated fatty acids and 10% of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also, it contains no cholesterol. Also, it has CoQ10, vitamin E, vitamin K, and phytosterols, all of which are good for your body. But these oils are rich in saturated fatty acids, and cooking with them leads to oxidation that generates toxins, which adversely impact your heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. The ingredient list usually mentions the type of oil used, while some manufacturers just mention “edible vegetable oil” others specify whether it has palmolein oil. In case you are unsure, buy cholesterol and trans-fat-free ones.
Sodium
The percentage of the daily value of sodium in moong dals varies between 1% and 6%. If you are specifically advised to restrict sodium intake, opt for the ones that have around 1% or less of sodium per serving.
Allergens
Most vegetarian savory snacks are processed in a common facility that manages pulses, wheat, nuts, sesame, and other seeds. So even though lentils themselves are not known to cause allergies, they may have traces of common allergens. Read the back of the pack to understand whether any possible allergens may cause an adverse reaction for you or your near and dear ones before buying.
Preservatives
Ready-to-eat food comes with some added chemicals, especially preservatives. The primary reason is to keep the product fresh for longer and increase its shelf life. However, as customers become more health-conscious, manufacturers are inhibiting from using artificial preservatives in their products. So, you will always find alternatives that clean off chemicals.
