There’s a certain nostalgia that lingers in the aroma of freshly made laddus—memories of childhood, festive seasons, and the warmth of home. But in an era where wellness and mindful eating are taking center stage, the age-old treats that once defined our celebrations are undergoing a transformation. Enter Aarav Foods, the brainchild of Ketaki, a venture that’s bringing back traditional Indian flavors with a healthier, more conscious approach.
A seasoned professional in hospitality sales, Ketaki always knew she wanted to build something of her own. After a decade of industry experience, she and her husband Abhay launched The Red Chillies, a thriving restaurant chain. But then, the pandemic hit, leaving them grappling with unforeseen challenges. With overheads piling up and revenue dwindling, their entrepreneurial dream came to an abrupt halt. While Abhay returned to work to stabilize their finances, Ketaki found herself at a crossroads—until she decided to rebuild, this time with a more personal and purposeful venture.
The result? Aarav Foods, a name that holds profound meaning. Named after their late son Aarav, the brand embodies love, nourishment, and authenticity. With a humble start in her home kitchen alongside her mother, Ketaki crafted her first batch of healthy laddus and namkeens. Without external funding, the business relied purely on passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted belief that ‘good food made with love always finds its way.’
Today, Aarav Foods has expanded from a small kitchen to a dedicated workshop in Malad, Mumbai, with a growing team and an ambitious vision—to make healthier Indian snacking accessible across the country.
Revolutionizing Laddus and Namkeens
What makes Aarav Foods different? It’s the careful curation of ingredients and techniques that blend tradition with modern health consciousness. The laddus steer clear of refined white sugar, replacing it with natural sweeteners like jaggery and dates. Their namkeens, while rooted in age-old recipes, are completely palm oil-free, setting them apart from mass-produced snacks flooding the market.
Some of their bestsellers include:
✅ Nutritious Laddus – Makhana Dry Fruit, Gond Dry Fruit, and Methi Dry Fruit Laddus. ✅ Millet-Based Laddus – Ragi Dry Fruit Laddu, a powerhouse of calcium and fiber.
✅ Protein-Packed Laddus – Whole Green Moong Laddu and Sattu Oats Laddu.
✅ Coconut Delights – Nariyal Elaichi Laddu and Nariyal Rose Laddu, blending tropical flavors with tradition.
✅ Zero Sugar, Zero Jaggery – Dates Dry Fruit Laddu, sweetened only with figs and dates.
For those looking for on-the-go nutrition, the Anjeer & Seeds Energy Bar offers a power-packed snack made without added sugar or preservatives.
On the savory side, Aarav Foods is redefining Indian namkeens by keeping them free from artificial additives and palm oil. The range includes:
✔️ Classic favorites – Chakli, Garlic Chakli, Mathri (Methi, Jeera, Garlic), and Shankarpali. ✔️ Roasted & Healthy Mixes – Poha Chivda and Trail Mix Farsan, a flavorful mix of makhana, oats, seeds, nuts, and curry leaves.
And for those who love homemade pickles and summer delights, Aarav Foods also offers oil-free, jaggery-based Kairi Chunda and Nimbu Achar, along with a refreshing Aam Panna Concentrate that captures the tangy essence of raw mangoes.
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Empowering Women, One Laddu at a Time
Beyond th
eir commitment to healthier eating, Aarav Foods is also creating an impact by empowering women. The majority of their workforce consists of women, providing them with financial independence and employment opportunities. By combining age-old culinary expertise with modern business acumen, these women are the backbone of the brand, ensuring that every product is made with love and authenticity.
Business Insights from Ketaki
Ketaki shares some valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
💡 Clarity is key – Know exactly what you want to achieve and maintain laser-sharp focus. Business isn’t just about ideas; it should be an obsession, something you truly love doing.
💡 Build a strong team – No business can grow without a solid team. Learn to delegate and trust your people.
💡 Embrace rejections – Don’t take rejections personally; they are just redirections. As she says, ‘Chal pado, rasta apne aap nikal aayega.’
💡 Growth is personal – As Tony Robbins puts it, ‘Business is a spiritual pursuit; your business will not grow until you grow as a person.’
Where to Find Aarav Foods?
Today, Aarav Foods has made its way into homes across India. From Amazon, Zomato and Swiggy to their own website, the brand is ensuring accessibility while maintaining the quality of a homemade touch. They have also partnered with corporate clients, making their offerings available in office spaces for guilt-free snacking.
The heart of Aarav Foods lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia while aligning with the modern consumer’s need for health-conscious choices. The feedback that means the most to Ketaki? Customers telling her, ‘This reminds me of my grandmother’s homemade laddus!’ That’s when she knows Aarav Foods is truly making a difference.
For those seeking wholesome, preservative-free, and mindful indulgence, Aarav Foods is a name to watch out for. With a growing fan base and an unwavering mission, the journey is only getting started.
Credits: Aarav Foods
