Is Bombay Mix Fatty? | All You Need to Know About This Crunchy Snack

Bombay Mix — the colorful, crunchy, spicy snack that many love with tea or as a quick nibble — is truly addictive!
Known as Chivda, Chanachur, or simply Mixture in India, this savory delight is a mixture of fried lentils, peanuts, chickpea flour noodles (sev), and spices.

But if you’re health-conscious, you might be wondering:
Is Bombay Mix fatty?

Let’s break it down in a detailed way to understand if Bombay Mix fits into a healthy diet.

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What Is Bombay Mix Made Of?

Before discussing its fat content, let’s understand its basic ingredients:

• Sev (fried gram flour noodles)

• Fried lentils (moong dal, chana dal)

• Peanuts

• Puffed rice

• Flattened rice (poha)

• Spices (turmeric, chili powder, black salt, etc.)

• Fried curry leaves

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

As you can see, many ingredients are deep-fried in oil to achieve that crispy, crunchy texture.

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Why Bombay Mix Can Be Fatty

The simple reason why Bombay Mix is considered fatty is because:

1. Deep Frying

Almost every major component — from sev to lentils to peanuts — is deep-fried in oil.
Frying increases the fat content of the food significantly.

• Fried foods tend to soak up oil during the frying process.

• Even though the ingredients themselves (like lentils and peanuts) are healthy, the frying adds saturated and sometimes trans fats.

2. Oil Content

Some commercially packaged Bombay Mix can have added oil to keep it fresh and enhance the mouthfeel.
This further boosts the total fat percentage.

3. Peanuts and Nuts

While peanuts are a good source of healthy fats (monounsaturated fats), they are energy-dense.
Eating too much can quickly raise your fat and calorie intake.

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Nutritional Facts: How Fatty Is Bombay Mix?

While it can vary by brand and preparation, here’s an average idea per 100 grams of Bombay Mix:

Out of 100 grams, about 25–30 grams are fat!
That’s around 45–50% of the calories coming from fat alone.

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Is All Fat in Bombay Mix Bad?

Not necessarily!

• Peanuts and lentils provide good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats), which are beneficial for heart health.

• Gram flour (besan) used in sev is high in protein and fiber.

However, the major concern is the deep-frying process, which can:

• Introduce unhealthy saturated fats.

• In some cases (especially with reused oil), create harmful trans fats.

Overeating fried foods can lead to:

• Weight gain

• Increased cholesterol levels

• Higher risk of heart diseases

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How to Enjoy Bombay Mix Without Too Much Fat

Here are some smart tips if you love Bombay Mix but want to stay mindful of fat intake:

1. Portion Control

• Instead of eating a whole bowl, measure a small portion (like a handful or 30–40 grams).

• Enjoy it as an occasional snack rather than an everyday habit.

2. Choose Roasted or Baked Mixes

• Some brands offer roasted or baked Bombay Mix versions with much less oil.

• These can taste just as good with significantly less fat.

3. Make It at Home

• Use an air fryer or oven to make a healthier version.

• Dry roast peanuts, poha, and lentils instead of deep-frying them.

• Add minimal oil only for seasoning.

4. Pair with Healthier Foods

• Mix a little Bombay Mix into salads or sprouts to add crunch without overloading on it.

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Healthier Homemade Bombay Mix Recipe Idea

Here’s a simple idea for a lighter Bombay Mix:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted puffed rice

• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts

• 1/2 cup roasted chana dal

• 1 cup baked or air-fried sev

• Spices: turmeric, chili powder, chaat masala

• A few curry leaves (microwaved or air-fried till crisp)

Method:

• Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.

• Add a tablespoon of olive oil or skip it entirely.

• Season with spices.

• Store in an airtight container.

This version cuts down the fat content dramatically!

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Final Thoughts: Is Bombay Mix Fatty?

Yes, traditional Bombay Mix is relatively fatty due to its deep-fried ingredients and added oils.
But, it’s not “bad” when eaten in moderation.

• It offers a combination of proteins, fiber, and healthy fats from lentils and peanuts.

• The problem only arises when consumed excessively or when choosing heavily processed varieties.

If you love Bombay Mix (and who doesn’t?), enjoy it mindfully, keep your portions small, and opt for healthier versions whenever possible!