MUMBAI: Mother’s Recipe is set to refresh the visual identity of its iconic pickle range, marking the first uplift for the portfolio since launch. Built around the taste of mother’s love, the upcoming label change reimagines the brand’s most familiar category through a modern expression of the brand’s core with a more distinctive design rooted in emotional cues.

For years, Mother’s Recipe’s iconic glass pickle bottles have been associated with the kind of nostalgic taste that comes from recipes passed down by mothers and grandmothers over time. We wanted the new look to be rooted in Indian traditions.

Available in a range of 64+ variants, the task was daunting; each design had to draw inspiration from regional visual elements, like the rich hues of regional sarees, traditional utensils, colour-coded fabric napkins, and Swaad Mamta Ka – the core of each recipe that we have in our pickles – mentioned in over 10 languages on various regional labels. Each of the 64 variants had to be visually differentiated through detailed photography, with the use of fresh regional fruits, distinguishing it right from the size of the cut mangoes, the variety of spices used in each region, and actions associated with pickle-making have been woven into the identity, connecting what you see on the pack to where it comes from and how it tastes.

Most important to us was the use of a mother’s hands with region-specific bangles in the act of making pickle, retained intentionally to reinforce authenticity and create a direct link between the product and memories of traditional pickle-making at home, to drive consumer confidence. The pickles use no added artificial preservatives and are made the way our mothers would make them traditionally at home, as highlighted by the “No preservatives” unit on the new label.

Speaking on the upcoming identity refresh, Sanjana Desai, Executive Director, Desai Foods Pvt. Ltd., said, “Mother’s Recipe pickles have long been associated with the taste of Mother’s love stemming from the familiarity, trust, and the kind that feels deeply rooted to our traditions. As we looked at this identity change, our endeavour was not simply to update the packaging, but to present that legacy in a way that feels more relevant to today’s consumer.”

Dhun Patel, CEO, Therefore Design, said, “This redesign allowed us to revisit how Mother’s Recipe pickles are expressed visually, while staying close to what the range already means to consumers. The effort was to build a system that feels more current in the market while remaining recognisable as Mother’s Recipe.”

The refreshed visual identity for Mother’s Recipe’s pickle range will be introduced across markets in line with rollout plans and product availability.

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Indian summers have always carried memories that stay with us. Long afternoons at home, outdoor games that stretched till sunset, the sound of ice in a glass, and a chilled sharbat waiting after hours in the heat. These were small moments, but they became a part of growing up. With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe brings back wahi bachpan wali baat through a range of flavours that feel instantly familiar and comforting.

The range includes five flavours: Mango Panna, Rose Syrup, Jeera Masala Syrup, Khus Syrup, and Lemon Ginger Squash. Each one draws from tastes that have been closely associated with Indian summers across homes and generations. Together, they bring alive the kind of refreshment that was once a regular part of the season and still holds emotional recall for families today.

Summerwala Sharbat has been created for today’s consumers, but the emotion behind it comes from an older, more familiar place. Mango Panna brings back the raw mango taste many remember from home kitchens. Rose recalls the sweet and colourful drinks often served during family gatherings. Jeera Masala carries a bold, traditional flavour linked to cooling summer refreshment. Khus brings back one of the season’s most recognisable tastes, while Lemon Ginger offers a lighter and lively option rooted in everyday Indian drinking habits.

The Summerwala Sharbat range comes in a 750 ml PET bottle priced at Rs. 215. Easy to store and convenient for regular use, it is suited for everyday family consumption as well as summer get-togethers. The range is available across leading e-commerce platforms and select retail outlets.

Speaking about the range, Sanjana Desai, Executive Director, Mother’s Recipe, said, “Some summer memories stay with you forever because they are tied to taste, routine, and home. With Summerwala Sharbat, we wanted to bring back flavours that instantly remind people of those familiar moments. The idea was to create a range that feels refreshing in the present while still carrying the warmth of childhood summers.”

With Summerwala Sharbat, Mother’s Recipe continues to celebrate Indian taste memories in ways that feel relevant to today’s consumer. The range brings together flavour, familiarity, and seasonal refreshment in a format that is both easy to enjoy and emotionally resonant.

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At the centre of the launch is a simple but powerful insight: consumers love fries, but are consistently disappointed by how quickly they turn soggy. Instead of addressing this through traditional advertising, the brand has chosen to demonstrate its claim through real-world validation.

At the core of the campaign was an immersive, large-scale tasting experience that brought together the credibility of influencers, food writers, and everyday consumers across four of India’s biggest metros—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Nearly 1,500 macro and micro participants took part in a first-of-its-kind timed challenge, where Wow! Momo’s fries were pitted against leading QSR competitors and tested after 30, 45, and 60 minutes.

As the challenge unfolded, Wow! Momo’s fries consistently stood out for their ability to remain golden, crisp, and fresh long after serving. While competing fries lost their texture over time, Wow! Momo delivered the same crunch at every interval, creating a moment of surprise and delight for participants.

The result went beyond a product demonstration. It became a compelling proof point and a scalable brand story. By transforming a functional benefit into a live, city-wide experience backed by real voices and authentic reactions, the campaign generated credibility, conversation, and shareability at scale, strengthening Wow! Momo’s positioning in the category.

Rather than relying on high-decibel messaging, Wow! Momo has leaned into a content-first approach, using these validation moments as the foundation for digital storytelling. The campaign is playing out across social media through creator-led content, meme culture, digital film, and real-time consumer reactions, supported by strong in-store visibility and on-ground amplification.

By shifting the focus from promise to proof, the brand is aiming to build both trust and talkability in a highly competitive QSR category, where differentiation is often difficult to sustain. In a category dominated by visual advertising and price-led promotions, the campaign attempts to redefine differentiation through demonstrable product performance.

Commenting on the approach, Murlikrishnan, Co-founder and CMO, Wow! Momo Foods Pvt. Ltd. said, “From day one, our belief has been simple: truly great products don’t need exaggerated claims, they need a stage. With this campaign, we wanted to move beyond saying we have the crispiest fries and instead invite consumers to experience and validate that promise for themselves. When the product truth is undeniable, the most powerful marketing is authenticity in action.”

With over 850 stores across 90+ cities, Wow! Momo continues to scale as one of India’s fastest-growing QSR brands. With this launch, the company reinforces its focus on combining product innovation with culturally relevant, content-led marketing approaches.

By turning a product claim into a participative narrative, Wow! Momo is positioning “World’s Crispiest Fries” not just as a menu addition, but as a brand moment designed to spark conversation at scale.

Fries digital film link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXPA8ooiAV8/?igsh=MWN3azN3cWc4Y3d1NQ==

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BENGALURU: Swiggy Limited, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has announced the launch of Swiggy Dineout’s widely popular Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF) 2026. Launched with Bhuvan Bam as the official ambassador for GIRF 2026, integrating the much-loved universe of BB Ki Vines into India’s biggest dining festival.

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s editions, GIRF 2026 returns bigger, better, and louder with a simple, powerful promise: Bill Half. Party Full. Starting 15 February 2026, diners can enjoy up to 50 percent off at 40,000+ top restaurants in 60+ cities in India. The offers are available across categories, including cafes, pubs, bars, luxury dining, and family restaurants for two full months. Diners can not only unlock up to 50 percent off on their food bill, but also get an additional 10% instant discount across all HDFC Bank cards and avail 10% back as Dinecash on every order when booking via Dineout.

Leading this year’s cultural moment is Bhuvan Bam, who brings the iconic world of BB Ki Vines into the heart of GIRF 2026. The campaign integrates beloved characters, including Babloo, Babli, Sameer, and Bhuvan, each representing relatable diner archetypes India instantly recognises.

In the flagship film, the BB Ki Vines universe takes on a familiar dining anxiety. Babloo worries about discount caps and fine print. Sameer confidently explains the scale of GIRF. The insight is simple but powerful. When the bill is half, hesitation disappears. Celebrations get bigger. Group plans become spontaneous. The vibe changes.

Commenting on the launch, Dhruvish Thakkar, AVP Marketing and Revenue, Swiggy Dineout, said, “GIRF is one of India’s largest dining movements. Our focus every year is to make dining out more rewarding, more accessible, and more frequent for consumers, while unlocking sustained incremental footfalls and revenue growth for our restaurant partners. With Bhuvan and the BB Ki Vines universe, we are tapping into characters that India deeply relates to. Babloo, Babli, and Sameer represent real diner mindsets we see on the platform every day, from the bill-conscious planner to the value maximiser to the spontaneous celebration starter.”

The GIRF 2026 theme, ‘Bill Half. Party Full.’ captures the core emotional insight behind dining out. Dining out is a joy. The Bill is the only brake. Take that away, and the celebration scales. From the established dining capitals of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai to emerging culinary hotspots like Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Udaipur, GIRF 2026 ensures that every foodie across 60+ cities gets to celebrate their way.

The campaign will roll out across digital, social, and creator ecosystems as well as in-app storytelling formats, with deep integration of BB Ki Vines characters across performance marketing, platform creatives, and cultural moments.

Beyond discounts, GIRF 2026 introduces high-energy activations including limited-time Crazzzy Deals of the Day, complimentary cocktails and mocktails at select partner bars, and extended happy hours across participating venues.

This year’s edition features participation from leading brands such as Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Good Flippin Burgers, Punjab Grill, YouMee, Krishnapatnam, Biergarten, Ironhill, and several other popular dining destinations.

Link of the film- https://www.instagram.com/p/DU0Nc8ViB1q/

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As Korean flavours continue to influence what people order, watch, and cook, many home cooks are looking for a starting point that feels familiar. The campaign taps into this growing curiosity and shows how a few trusted sauces can help recreate the taste people enjoy, while keeping the cooking process simple. It also reflects a wider shift in the way young adults approach food today. They like trying new cuisines, but they also want recipes that fit into busy routines and feel rewarding at the end.

Anchored in the idea “MOM-FU: Maa ka pyaar in a Korean avatar”, the campaign includes five recipe videos, with Korean Spicy Paneer, Korean Spicy Noodles, Korean Bibimbap, Korean Fried Rice, and Korean Veg Dakgalbi making Korean-inspired flavours feel doable in an Indian kitchen. The series features Korean Spicy Paneer made using Soya Bean Sauce, Garlic Chilli Sauce, and Red Chilli Sauce, Korean Spicy Noodles made using Desi Szechwan Sauce, Green Chilli Sauce, Soya Bean Sauce, and Chilli Vinegar, and Korean Bibimbap made using Chilli Vinegar and Soya Bean Sauce. Korean Fried Rice and Korean Veg Dakgalbi bring the same comfort and punch using Mother’s Recipe sauces, helping recreate Korean-style favourites with ingredients that are easy to find. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow with clear steps that help viewers cook confidently, even if it is their first attempt at Korean-style food.

Speaking about the campaign, Sanjana Desai, Executive Director, Mother’s Recipe, said, “Home cooking has always been about care. What is changing is the kind of flavours people want to bring into their kitchens. We are seeing more consumers, especially young adults, explore global cuisines at home, and Korean food is a great example of that. This series is our way of making those recipes feel simpler to try. With our Chinese Sauces, we can bring the flavour together quickly, without taking away from the joy of cooking.”

The recipe videos will be amplified across digital platforms through short-form content and social-first storytelling. The campaign will be supported by high-quality visual assets, including recipe videos and product pack shots, enabling video-led coverage, recipe features, and social embeds across food, lifestyle, and culture-focused digital media. The PR outreach will focus on digital storytelling that highlights easy recipes, Korean cravings at home, and the role of sauces in making everyday cooking feel more exciting.

With this digital-first campaign, Mother’s Recipe continues to stay rooted in trust while keeping pace with the way modern India cooks. The series invites consumers to try something new, enjoy the process, and bring people together around food that feels fresh, flavourful, and made at home

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PUNE: In 2025, the food choices of Punekars reflected the city’s rich cultural heritage and modern energy, with preferences spanning from comfort-driven meals to indulgent favourites, from relaxed dinners to late-night burger cravings.

Check out the Pune Edition of How India Swiggy’d 2025, a snapshot of the city’s evolving food habits and a flavour-packed recap of the year gone by.

The City’s Favourites

• Chicken Biryani topped the charts with 14.86 lakh orders, followed closely by Chicken Burgers (12.10 lakh) and Chicken Fry (10.5 lakh). Veg Burgers also featured prominently in the city’s top favourites.
• Dessert choices stayed classic, with Chocolate Cake leading the way at 1.48 lakh orders, followed closely by Gulab Jamun (1.44 lakh) and Boondi Ladoo, showing Pune’s continued love for OG sweet treats.
• Breakfast in Pune was light and comfort-led, with Idlis emerging as the most popular choice at 3.8 lakh orders, followed by Veg Dosa (2.4 lakh) and the local favourite Veg Poha (1.79 lakh).
• Evening snack cravings (3 pm and 7 pm) were dominated by Chicken Burgers (2.47 lakh orders) and Veg Burgers (1.86 lakh orders) — easy, filling picks for a mid-evening bite.
• Late-night indulgences (12 am and 2 am) remained strong, Chicken Burgers led the night cravings with over 1 lakh orders, followed by Veg Burgers, while Chicken Biryani and Veg Pizza also featured among favourites.
• Pune’s evolving palate was reflected in its growing interest in regional cuisines, with Gujarati cuisine emerging as the fastest-growing at 27.6% growth, followed by Kerala cuisine at 23% growth.
• Pune featured among the top 10 Indian cities using Incognito and Group Ordering features, pointing to both convenience-led and shared ordering occasions.
• Affordable eating struck a chord with Punekars as well. Veg Burgers (1.28 lakh orders) topped the list on 99 Store, followed by Chicken Burger and Chicken Biryani.
• On DeskEats, McAloo Tikki Burger ruled the charts with 2.54 lakh orders, while Chocolate Lava Cakes and Veg Pizza McPuff ranked 2nd and 3rd. A customer ordered 67 Maharaja Burger combos, 67 Pizza McPuff, and 1 fries, worth Rs. 31,957 on DeskEats. Talk about an office party!
• High Protein was the real MVP. Pune placed 11.69 lakh high-protein orders, featuring among the top 10 cities nationally.

Quick food delivery made possible with Bolt

• On Bolt, Chicken Biryani (1.3 lakh orders) and Chicken Burger (1.26 lakh orders) were the top 2 dishes ordered, followed by Veg Burger, Veg Idli, and Aloo Burger.
• While Choco Lava Cake was the most ordered dessert on Bolt, Jalebi and Rasmalai ranked second and third, respectively.
• Bolt of lightning! Chocoholic Cake and Strawberry Cupcake were delivered to a customer in 3 minutes.
• Pune loves burgers at night. More than 62 Chicken Burgers were ordered every night (12 am-2 am). Veg Burgers and Aloo Burgers were also amongst the top 5.
• Last-minute party requirements? The biggest Bolt order in the city was by a customer who ordered 175 Golden Corn (Pizza)!

Elaborating on the trends, Sidharth Bhakoo, Chief Business Officer, Food Marketplace, Swiggy, said, “In 202,5 food continued to be an important part of our daily life and celebrations as India indulged in its favourite dishes. In the city of Pune, we witnessed a fine balance of the love for classics and the comfort of national favourites. From late-night indulgences to premium dining out, Pune embraced the rich tapestry of culture through food. Food is an emotion, and we remain committed to delivering exceptional food experiences in every corner of the city, one meal, one celebration at a time.”

Dining Out

• Dining out remained an integral part of Pune’s social life in 2025, with diners saving a total of Rs. 64.35 crore through Swiggy Dineout, marking a 10.4% YoY increase.
• Big savings weren’t just spread across the city — one Pune diner alone saved Rs. 93,588 in a single booking, the fifth-highest saving in the country.
• Pune’s nightlife stayed active well past midnight, with the city recording the 4th highest number of dining transactions across India between 12 am and 3 am.
• Large group outings and festive celebrations translated into significant savings during the Great Indian Restaurant Festival (GIRF 2025), when Pune diners saved Rs. 26 crore.
• Premium dining continued to gain strong traction, with over 65,900 premium dining bookings, reflecting a healthy 67% YoY growth.
• Special occasions saw diners splurging in style — Pune recorded the highest single billing in the country on Valentine’s Day at Rs. 1,19,257, while also featuring among the top 5 cities for Valentine’s Day bookings.
• Celebrations continued through the year, with Father’s Day witnessing the second-highest single billing nationally at Rs. 58,764, highlighting Pune’s growing appetite for experience-led dining.

And to add to the fun, here are some of India’s food trends from 2025

• With a decade-long record of being the favourite, Biryani continued to reign supreme! With 93 million biryanis ordered in 2025 (that’s 194 orders per minute or 3.25 biryanis every second), Biryani is the undisputed King, proving that while trends may come and go, India’s deep-rooted love for this aromatic masterpiece remains constant. Chicken Biryani (57.7 million orders) was the most loved in the Biryani universe with the highest number of repeat orders.
• Burgers were the second most loved with 44.2 million orders, followed by Pizzas with 40.1 million orders. Another favourite dish was Veg Dosa with 26.2 million orders, proving that this crispy, golden classic is much loved by foodies.
• Snack time (3- 7 pm) is a mood, and we all live in it. Burgers were the most ordered amongst snacks, with Chicken Burgers leading the pack (6.3 million orders), and Veg Burgers as a close second with 4.2 million orders. Other loved snacks were Chicken Roll (4.1 million orders), Veg Pizza (3.6 million orders), and Chicken Nuggets (2.9 million orders).
• The Chai-Samosa ritual continued with 3.42 million Samosas and 2.9 million Adrak Chai ordered during snack time (3 pm-7 pm) in 2025.
• Dessert delights and indulgence: While White Chocolate Cake topped the charts with 6.9 million orders, 2025 was also the year of love for desi favourites. Chocolate Cake (5.4 million orders) and Gulab Jamun (4.5 million orders) featured in the top 3 desserts ordered. Kaju Barfi (2 million orders) and Besan Ladoo (1.9 million orders) ranked 2nd and 3rd in Indian sweets.
• Chocolate was the flavour of the year in ice creams, with 3.3 million Dark Chocolate ice creams and 2.6 million Chocolate Sundaes ordered.
• Global cuisines entered the carts with Mexican (16 million orders), Tibetan (12 million+ orders), and Korean (4.7 million orders) cuisines becoming consumer favourites. Matcha was the most searched global cuisine in 2025.
• Hyperlocal is the new authentic, with love for local cuisines. Pahari cuisine marked a 9x growth, while orders in Malabari, Rajathani, Malvani, and other regional cuisines also grew almost 2x in the past year.
• Without a doubt, Dinner is the ultimate Bahubali of mealtimes, with dinner orders nearly 32% higher than lunch orders
• Big Heart, Bigger Celebrations: A single consumer in Hyderabad spent Rs 47,106 and ordered 65 boxes of Dry Fruit Cookies Gift Pack in August to kickstart the festive period!
• A foodie in Mumbai redefined “dining all day” and placed 3,196 food orders on Swiggy in 2025. That’s almost 9 food orders/day- this was the highest in the country!
• For those cravings and hunger pangs, quick food delivery with Bolt came to the rescue. The highest number of deliveries was in Bengaluru, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai. Also, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Vizag, and Kochi were the top emerging markets for Bolt
• Interestingly, a customer in Mumbai ordered a massive feast – 15 units of Dum Chicken Biryani, 10 plates of Chicken Meatball Kebab, 5 plates of Falafel-E-Khaas and Pepper Paneer Biryani, and 100 gulab jamuns on 99Store! Seems like a huge party!
• The true enablers, our delivery partners, ensured your cravings met with a smile and a hot meal! Our delivery partners clocked an epic 1.24 billion kilometers this year – that’s like driving the distance from Kashmir to Kanyakumari 340,000 times and still stopping for chai!
• Mohammad Razique, our Delivery partner from Bengaluru, delivered an incredible 11,718 orders this year, while Poongodi, a partner from Chennai, led the female partners by delivering 8169 orders in 2025!

Here’s to an even more delicious 2026!

Note: All statistics presented here are based on data collected from January 01 to November 30, 2025

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Enriched with exotic taste and backed by HELL ENERGY DRINK’s renowned quality, HELL ENERGY DRINK BLACK CHERRY brings a refreshing and delicious twist to the energy drink category with its bold attitude. It is perfect for flavour seekers who are looking for a unique experience in their drinks.

HELL ENERGY DRINK – BLACK CHERRY combines the intense taste of black cherries with HELL ENERGY DRINK’s original formula. Infused with multiple B-vitamins and no added preservatives, it delivers an unforgettable flavour in every can.  It is a tempting and refreshing black cherry-flavoured energy drink that captures a most craved vibe in a single sip. This special black cherry taste comes in a distinctive, stylish, and purple-black packaging.

Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director, HELL-ENERGY PRIVATE LIMITED, said, “HELL ENERGY DRINK BLACK CHERRY is not just a new flavour, but a statement. With this launch, we are reconfirming our promise to bring globally benchmarked products that speak to the fearless new Indian consumer and are aligned with the evolving consumer preferences. HELL ENERGY DRINK – BLACK CHERRY adds to our expanding portfolio in the Indian market and reflects our continued focus on product innovation and differentiated flavour offerings.”

The new variant will initially be available across general trade, modern retail, and quick-commerce platforms in key cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh.

The launch is supported by targeted Digital First marketing initiatives, resonating with Gen Z and millennial consumers, and aimed at maximising visibility and engagement. It further amplifies its identity as a fearless, youth-first disruptor in India’s energy drink space.

With the introduction of its new variant in India, HELL ENERGY DRINK continues to strengthen its growing India portfolio and further its ambition towards becoming the go-to energy drink in the country.

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MUMBAI: McDonald’s India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld, has taken another bold step forward in its journey of mindful indulgence by giving customers the power to personalize their protein intake like never before. The brand today announced the launch of its innovative ‘Protein Plus Range’, featuring a first-of-its-kind 100% vegetarian, plant-based ‘Protein Slice’ that adds 5 grams of protein to any burger. For the first time in the QSR industry, McDonald’s is revolutionizing how people eat at its restaurants by allowing customers to add one, two, or even three Protein Plus slices to their favourite burgers. This breakthrough empowers customers with greater nutritional choice, without compromising on the great taste they love.

The slice integrates seamlessly into McDonald’s existing burgers, enabling customers to easily increase their protein intake. For example, with the Protein Slice added, the McSpicy Paneer offers 25.29g of protein, the McChicken delivers 20.66g, the McVeggie has 15.24g, and even the iconic McAloo Tikki, a balanced meal by itself, provides 13.5g of protein, redefining possibilities in a QSR.

The Protein Plus Slice has been developed in collaboration with the prestigious CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. Made from 100% vegetarian ingredients, including soy and pea, the Protein Plus Slice contains no artificial colours or flavours and is free from onion and garlic, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer, Westlife Foodworld, said, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our ‘Real Food, Real Good’ philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. We are grateful to CSIR-CFTRI for partnering with us to bring this forward-thinking product to life. Together, we remain committed to crafting menu items that are both wholesome and delicious, combining locally available ingredients in a way where great taste and nutrition go hand in hand.”

CSIR-CFTRI’s scientific expertise and deep understanding of protein research helped create a slice that delivers high nutritional value while maintaining the signature taste, texture, and quality that McDonald’s is known for. This marks McDonald’s India’s second strategic partnership with CSIR-CFTRI, following the successful launch of the Multi-Millet Bun last year.

Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, said, “Building on our earlier success with the Multi-Millet Bun, we are excited to continue our partnership with McDonald’s India to advance nutritional innovation in the QSR space. The Protein Plus slice is an outcome of science-backed formulation and a shared vision to elevate everyday meals through nutrition. This partnership showcases how industry and scientific institutions can come together to bring meaningful nutritional upgrades to mainstream eating.”

Shri Yogesh Kadam, Hon’ble Minister of State for Food and Drugs Administration, Government of Maharashtra, inaugurated this nutrition-focused initiative today in Mumbai, emphasizing the growing need for safer and nutritious food choices that meet the nutritional needs of today’s consumers.

The event was also graced by senior officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration, including Shri Rajesh Narvekar, Hon’ble Commissioner of Food Safety, Maharashtra State, and Shri Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner (Food), Headquarters.

Addressing the audience, Shri Yogesh Kadam stated, “Initiatives like these align with the preamble of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which aims to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. They also reflect the vision of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement by FSSAI — promoting safe, nutritious, and sustainable food choices across the country. It is heartening to see scientific research institutions and industry leaders come together to contribute toward national nutrition goals. This partnership model is vital for strengthening our public health landscape.”

The Protein Plus Meals will be available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The vegetarian Protein Plus Meal includes a burger enhanced with the Protein Slice, paired with a protein-rich corn cup and Coke Zero. The non-vegetarian option includes the McCrispy Chicken with Protein Slice, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and Coke Zero, delivering a wholesome, protein-enriched meal.

The launch is a key milestone in McDonald’s India’s Real Food, Real Good journey, which began seven years ago. Staying true to this philosophy, the brand maintains an unwavering focus on quality, ensuring its menu items are free from artificial colours, artificial flavours, and artificial preservatives, and with no added MSG in the chicken offerings. McDonald’s India continues to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients from globally recognized suppliers, building on nearly three decades of customer trust.

This innovation reflects the brand’s deep understanding of the growing awareness and demand for protein among Indian consumers. The new Protein Plus range is now available across McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India. Customers can now savour their favourite burgers with the added nutritional goodness of protein, whether dining in, picking up via Drive-Thru, or ordering from the comfort of their homes through the McDelivery app.

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HYDERABAD: Novotel Hyderabad Airport invites you to experience an unforgettable evening steeped in the regal flavours of Awadhi cuisine. On the nights of July 3^rd to 6th, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, step into a world of slow-cooked richness and aromatic elegance as we bring the timeless culinary heritage of Lucknow to life. 

Curated by the talented Chef Subham Kumar, the Awadhi dinner experience is a carefully crafted tribute to the grandeur of Nawabi kitchens, designed to transport diners to an era of royal feasts and refined indulgence. The menu blends time-honoured recipes with meticulous technique, beginning with a soul-warming Mutton Paya Shorba and Tamatar Dhaniya Shorba, each ladle full of depth, tradition, and comforting warmth. 

Live counters will feature delicacies like the melt-in-the-mouth Mutton Galawati Kebab and the vegetarian marvel, Gimikand ke Galawat, showcasing the delicate textures and complexity of Awadhi spices. At the buffet, dishes such as Dudhiya Kebab and Murgh Wajid Ali continue the culinary journey with their rich, aromatic profiles. The main course offers a royal spread: Shahi Paneer, Moong Mughlai Dal, Arbi Kaliya, Khumbh Nawabi, and Subz Lazzez, each carefully selected to complement the non-vegetarian offerings of Nalli Nahari, Chicken Masala, and the majestic Dum Gosht Biryani, accompanied by Sada Chawal and Dum Tarkari Biryani for balance and variety. 

“This experience is very close to my heart,” says Chef Subham Kumar. “Awadhi cuisine isn’t just about richness, it’s about precision, patience, and respect for tradition. Every dish has a story, and we want our guests to feel that legacy in every bite.”

Leading the culinary vision is Chef Amanna Raju, Head Chef at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, who adds, “We aim to make each dining experience immersive and memorable. With this Awadhi celebration, we’re not just offering food, we’re offering a royal journey through India’s culinary history.”

General Manager Mr. Sukhbir Singh reflects the hotel’s commitment to excellence, saying, “At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, we strive to create moments that linger long after the event. This evening is a celebration of heritage, artistry, and hospitality, an experience we are proud to share with our esteemed guests.”

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Hearty Roots is a passionate initiative by Mother’s Recipe under the visionary leadership of Sanjana Desai. Reflecting her deep commitment and personal passion, this new product line beautifully captures the essence of age-old traditional recipes, now thoughtfully enriched with nutrient-rich superfoods. Designed especially for the health-conscious millennials and individuals who wish to maintain a balanced lifestyle without compromising on traditional taste, Hearty Roots offers a guilt-free indulgence packed with wholesome benefits.

Consumer research reveals a notable shift among younger audiences, especially millennials, toward healthier food alternatives. Millennials, known for their discerning tastes and health awareness, proactively seek out products that offer both nutritional value and authentic taste. Similarly, older consumers facing health challenges such as diabetes and hypertension increasingly require diet-friendly options. Hearty Roots responds precisely to these evolving consumer demands.

The Hearty Roots range includes thoughtfully curated pickle variants:

• Mango Pickle with Ashwagandha: This pickle blends the tangy taste of raw mangoes with the earthy goodness of Ashwagandha, an adaptogen known for reducing stress, inflammation, and cholesterol.
• Garlic Pickle with Moringa Leaves: Combining robust garlic and nutrient-dense moringa leaves, this variant delivers powerful antioxidants and supports immune health, bone strength, and gut wellness.
• Mango Pickle with Flax Seeds: Featuring sweet and tangy mango paired with nutty flax seeds, this pickle contributes to heart health, cholesterol management, and blood sugar control.
• Lime Pickle with 100% Palm Jaggery: A unique blend of tangy lime and earthy palm jaggery, this variant is packed with essential minerals, aids digestion, boosts immunity, and cleanses the body.
• Brinjal Pickle: Celebrating the earthy and slightly sweet taste of brinjal, this pickle is rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• Karela Pickle: Known for its distinct bitterness, balanced with spices, karela pickle supports blood sugar regulation and provides a healthy dose of vitamins A and C.

Hearty Roots perfectly aligns with the booming INR 10,352 crore health and wellness foods market, currently growing at approximately 10% annually. This range strategically leverages Mother’s Recipe’s deep consumer understanding and B2C marketing strategies to precisely target specific consumer segments. By preserving traditional taste and introducing power-packed superfoods, Hearty Roots ensures that every bite is nutritious and delicious.

Sanjana Desai, Executive Director, Mother’s Recipe, shared her enthusiasm about this pivotal launch: “With Hearty Roots, we are bridging the gap between culinary heritage and contemporary nutritional needs. This new brand is the culmination of our efforts to innovate within the framework of tradition, launching with our wellness-forward pickle range and expanding soon into more offerings that reflect the same ethos. It’s a reflection of our continued commitment to maintain the integrity of traditional Indian flavors while thoughtfully enhancing them with functional, nutrient-rich ingredients that support today’s health goals. We believe that Hearty Roots will set a new benchmark for what mindful, flavorful eating looks like – delicious, nourishing, and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of our society.”

Hearty Roots is sustainably packaged and conveniently available across leading supermarkets, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms, ensuring accessibility for all health-conscious consumers.

The post Mother’s Recipe Introduces Hearty Roots for a Healthier Future appeared first on NRI News.