11 Artisanal Food Products Indians Are Buying

India's appetite for carefully made food is changing what shows up in tiffins, on cafe menus, and in supermarket specialty aisles. Market signals point to strong demand: the dessert industry in India is projected to reach roughly Rs 84,300 crore by 2025, and analysts expect the bakery sector to grow substantially through the decade (Restaurant India). At the same time, the government reports significant investment in food processing, which creates space for small makers to scale while staying true to craft methods (Economic Times). Urban diners are trying new flavors from small producers, while many shoppers seek products that remind them of dadi's kitchen but with clear labeling and quality control. This list highlights eleven artisanal food categories that Indian shoppers are buying right now. I chose categories where industry reporting or reputable press mention rising demand, and I added closely related craft items that fit buyer behavior and food culture. Expect notes on why each product resonates, what to look for when buying, and practical tips for storage or gifting. For items where brand-level or price data were not available in the research brief, I flag the need for additional sourcing rather than invent claims. The focus is practical: help readers spot genuine small-batch food, understand why it's growing, and know how to enjoy it at home or share it with friends.

1. Artisanal bakery and patisserie

Artisanal bakeries are among the clearest success stories in India's premium-food scene. Specialists bake small batches of breads, croissants, and French-style patisserie items that emphasize technique and fresh ingredients. Consumers pay extra for hand-shaped croissants, slow-fermented sourdough, and cakes made without industrial shortcuts. Restaurant India reports strong growth in the dessert and bakery categories, noting higher willingness among new-age consumers to try premium, real products (Restaurant India). For shoppers, freshness is the key signal: look for same-day baking labels, ingredient lists that avoid unnecessary stabilizers, and shops that describe methods like long fermentation or hand-laminated dough. Small patisseries often run limited daily batches, so popular items may sell out early; planning a morning visit helps. If you want to gift something, choose boxes with clear packaging and a bake-date. For diaspora buyers in North America, some Indian artisanal bakeries ship selected items or offer frozen equivalents that maintain texture when baked at home.