The mithai box is a Diwali tradition, but many of the people you gift to are cutting back on sugar or would simply prefer something different. These alternatives keep the festive spirit while giving recipients something they'll actually enjoy.
Why look beyond the mithai box?
- Recipients receive many of them. Several boxes of sweets in one week often go to waste.
- Short shelf life. Fresh milk-based sweets don't travel well, which matters for gifts sent across cities.
- Different diets. Some people limit sugar, others avoid dairy or gluten. A mixed hamper includes more of them.
10 healthy alternatives to a mithai box
- Nut and date ladoos. Traditional in shape, with nuts and dates doing much of the sweetening. Try our almond butterscotch ladoos.
- Jaggery cookies. Our almond and jaggery and ragi cookies are vegan and made without refined flour.
- Coconut chips. Crunchy, light and easy to share. See toasted coconut chips.
- Roasted and spiced nuts. Peri peri almonds or chatpata cashews for a savoury gift.
- Millet snacks. Jowar and bajra puffs such as our coconut millet pops.
- Dry fruit boxes. A familiar choice that keeps well.
- Natural sweeteners. A jar of coconut sugar lets recipients make their own festive treats.
- Tea or coffee gift sets. Pair them with cookies.
- Energy bites. Our oats and almond bites suit busy mornings after the festival.
- A mixed healthy hamper. Combine several of the above in one box, like our Diwali gift hampers.
Keeping the festive feel
Healthy doesn't have to feel plain. Include one traditional sweet, wrap the gift in festive colours and add a diya or candle. A handwritten note matters more than an extra box of sweets.
For employees and clients
Healthy hampers are increasingly popular for corporate Diwali gifting because they suit mixed teams and travel well. See our corporate Diwali gifts and our guides to Diwali gifts for employees and Diwali gifts for clients.
FAQs
Is it rude to not give mithai at Diwali?
Not at all. Many families now exchange dry fruits, snacks and hampers. Including one traditional sweet keeps the custom alive.
What is a good Diwali gift for someone watching their sugar?
Savoury options such as spiced nuts, millet snacks and coconut chips, with ingredients clearly listed so they can choose.