Brands
Drools ropes in Janhvi Kapoor as their brand ambassador
Mumbai: Drools, a leading Indian pet-food brand, announced actress Janhvi Kapoor as the face of the brand. The brand aims at addressing the irks of pet parents by making their pooches’ meals not only delicious but also well-balanced delivering all nutritional value.
As Bollywood’s pet parent Janhvi takes to Instagram to raise concerns over her pet Panda’s picky behaviour, she shares how he is low on energy and not eating well. “He has been so fussy about his food lately, he’s barely eating! I think I need to change his diet or introduce some new things into his routine!” she adds. She turns to her fans asking for solutions to make Panda’s meal fun and exciting while being equally healthy.
Addressing this issue, Drools invited Kapoor for an interactive session with their acclaimed nutritional expert and CEO, Dr. Shashank Sinha, to assess the situation and help her with insights on the most suitable nutrition options for Panda.
Speaking about this association, Dr. Sinha said, “With over 30 years of expertise in the field of animal food and nutrition, Drools has always been at the forefront of contributing to bettering the lives of animals by delivering the best pet food. We take extreme pride in providing healthier living and food habits for pets and addressing the concerns of millions of pet parents. We are delighted to have Janhvi Kapoor onboard the Drools family. This brand affiliation with Janhvi will further help us educate people about the importance of diet and nutrition.”
Speaking about this collaboration, Kapoor said, “I am excited to be associated with Drools, India’s biggest pet food brand. They provide a whole range of products using only 100 per cent real chicken as its number one Ingredient. My pooch Panda totally loved it and is enjoying his meals now. I am relieved that my pooch has meals that are not only delicious but also well-balanced delivering the right nutritional value.”
Drools has grown to become India’s most preferred pet food brand and provides a wholesome, balanced and delicious diet to all pets. The brand not only takes care of pet nutrition but also provides multiple choices to pet parents.
Brands
India’s food culture takes a bold turn in 2025
From fusion desserts to experiential dining, four trends reshape how the nation eats.
MUMBAI: India’s plates just got a serious upgrade in 2025 because when tradition meets TikTok and fusion meets fitness, even the humble samosa starts feeling trendy. The Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 predicted several shifts in Indian eating habits, and the past year proved the forecasters right. From reimagined desserts to immersive dining experiences, Indian consumers showed they want authenticity, convenience, global flavours and health in equal measure.
Here are four trends that truly came alive in 2025 and are now shaping how India eats and dines:
1. Indian Desserts Get a Modern Makeover Traditional mithai found fresh life through fusion experiments. Cheesecakes, truffles and plated desserts inspired by classics like gulab jamun and rasgulla gained popularity, while chocolate-forward, fruit-led and lower-sugar options appealed to younger diners. According to the How India Eats 2025 report, desserts and ice-cream parlours were among the fastest-growing segments in organised food services. Examples: The Bombay Canteen’s Coffee Rasgulla Sundae and Le Chocolate Cakes and More’s Gulab Jamun Cake. Chef Aarohi Sanghavi of Maki Patisserie noted the shift toward seasonality and fresh Indian produce, while Chef Heena Punwani of Maska Bakery highlighted the appeal of flexible, weekend-special menus.
2. Social Media Becomes the New Menu Food discovery went fully digital. Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews and creator-led content heavily influenced dining choices, with food remaining one of the most consumed categories on social media. Restaurants began designing visually striking dishes specifically for shareability, while many diners found new spots through viral videos rather than traditional advertising. The How India Eats 2025 report revealed that over 75% of marketing spends by leading QSR chains now go toward digital channels. Cafes like Mokai and Candies became creator favourites, and brands such as Bastian Hospitality curated highly shareable pop-ups and events. Kavita Rajwade of IVM Podcasts emphasised how long-form storytelling helps decode food’s cultural and economic layers, while Pranav Joshi of Floydian Cookery admitted his page grew far beyond expectations.
3. Snacking Culture Goes Mainstream India’s love for snacks evolved into a full grazing lifestyle, with many opting for multiple small bites throughout the day instead of three structured meals. This shift spurred innovation in formats—from gourmet chips and fusion street food to protein-packed options. Restaurants responded with small-plate menus designed for sharing. The How India Eats 2025 report noted that late-night orders grew nearly 3x faster than dinner. Brands like The Whole Truth Foods and Green Snack Co. popularised clean-label snacks such as protein bars and roasted nuts. Madhushree Basu Roy of Pikturenama Studios predicted a mix of convenience, health consciousness and global influences, while freelance food writer Sharmila Vaidyanathan observed that consumers want the best of both worlds healthy options for routine snacking and traditional treats for special occasions.
4. Dining Becomes an Experience, Not Just a Meal The most noticeable shift was the rise of experiential dining. Consumers increasingly sought restaurants that offered more than good food, they wanted immersion, storytelling and chef-driven concepts. Venues like Papa’s in Mumbai (intimate tasting menus), Bombay Daak (theatrical regional flavours) and Masala Library (modernist presentations) turned meals into memorable events. Tasting menus, themed pop-ups and chef collaborations became more common, transforming dining out into entertainment. The How India Eats 2025 report highlighted how experience-led formats and storytelling are key to attracting younger diners. Chef Karan Upmanyu of ParTTwo in Bengaluru observed that new outlets are breaking away from rigid formats, focusing instead on creating relaxed spaces where people simply enjoy spending time.
As 2026 unfolds, these trends suggest India’s food culture is no longer just about what’s on the plate, it’s about how the plate makes us feel, connect and remember. From a quick Reel-inspired snack to a full theatrical dining experience, Indian diners are voting with their forks for food that is both rooted in tradition and unafraid to experiment. The table, it seems, has never been more exciting.
