Turning a street snack into a full-fledged business may sound like a dream, but two Indian
teenagers Jayanta and Kailash proved it can be done. Within just one year, their homegrown
venture, Shuddh Swad, crossed the ₹1 crore revenue mark. Their vision was simple yet
powerful: make traditional Indian snacks hygienic, affordable, and available all year round.
From humble beginnings to nationwide recognition, their journey is a masterclass in spotting
gaps in the market and acting boldly.
A Simple Snack Sparks a Big Idea
The story began when 16-year-old Jayanta was tempted by the aroma of thekua, a popular
snack sold by a street vendor. Despite his father’s advice about hygiene, he bought it and soon
fell sick. That incident highlighted a serious problem: though Indians love their roadside treats,
safety and cleanliness are often compromised.
This sparked a thought what if people could enjoy the same taste without worrying about
hygiene? Could authentic Indian snacks be made in a way that was both safe and affordable?
Realizing the Gap in the Market
The turning point came during Chhath Puja, when Kailash offered Jayanta a packaged thekua
from a store. While it was hygienic and tasty, it was also overpriced and available only during
festivals. That led to a bigger realization:
● Traditional snacks like thekua, besan laddoo, makhana, and banana chips were either
unsafe (street food) or expensive (premium packaged).
● They were not consistently available year-round, despite strong demand.
● Consumers lacked a brand that balanced tradition, hygiene, and affordability.
This gap inspired the duo to act. They decided to launch a brand that would solve all three
problems at once.
Birth of Shuddh Swad
Instead of waiting for investor funding or corporate backing, Jayanta and Kailash started small.
They brainstormed a name that reflected authenticity and landed on Shuddh Swad, meaning
pure taste. Their vision was clear: deliver traditional Indian flavors, but in a modern, safe, and
accessible way.
They turned to Instagram as their primary launchpad. With relatable storytelling, appealing
visuals, and snackable content (literally), they attracted a growing audience of curious
customers. Word spread quickly, and orders began flowing in.
What Makes Shuddh Swad Stand Out?
In a crowded market of packaged snacks, Shuddh Swad carved out its niche with three strong
pillars:
- Authenticity – Sticking to traditional recipes that connect people to their roots.
- Hygiene – Ensuring snacks are prepared in clean conditions with modern packaging.
- Affordability – Keeping prices within reach of everyday customers, not just a premium
audience.
This combination struck an emotional chord. For many, Shuddh Swad snacks were not just
food. They were comfort, nostalgia, and trust packaged together.
Hitting ₹1 Crore in Just 12 Months
In less than a year, Shuddh Swad scaled to over 250,000 customers and generated ₹1 crore in
sales. Their growth was organic, fueled mostly by social media buzz, word of mouth, and repeat
customers.
Unlike big FMCG players, they didn’t rely on celebrity endorsements or large ad spends.
Instead, their strategy was authentic storytelling sharing their struggles, showing
behind-the-scenes processes, and engaging directly with customers online.
This built not only trust but also a sense of community. People didn’t just buy snacks they
supported a movement to revive traditional flavors in a safe, modern form.
Challenges on the Way
The journey, however, wasn’t smooth. As teenage founders, Jayanta and Kailash faced
skepticism from family, friends, and even suppliers. Questions like “Will people take them
seriously?” and “How will they manage finances at such a young age?” were common.
Logistics and scaling were other hurdles. Maintaining consistent quality while handling
increasing orders required careful planning. But with determination and customer trust, they
managed to overcome these challenges and establish credibility.
Customers as the Driving Force
Jayanta and Kailash often credit their customers for making Shuddh Swad a success. Each
order, they believe, is more than a transaction it’s a validation of their idea. Customers didn’t just
buy snacks; they endorsed a vision for cleaner, more accessible traditional food.
The brand’s rapid rise also shows how consumer preferences are shifting in India. Today’s
buyers want heritage snacks with modern safety standards a sweet spot that Shuddh Swad
tapped perfectly.
The Road Ahead
With the initial success secured, Shuddh Swad is now eyeing larger goals. The founders plan to
expand their product range, set up better distribution channels, and eventually build a pan-India
presence. They are also exploring collaborations with online marketplaces and quick commerce
platforms to reach more households.
Their long-term dream is to turn Shuddh Swad into a trusted household brand for Indian
snacks, competing with established FMCG names while staying true to their roots.
Key Takeaways from Shuddh Swad’s Story
● Great businesses can start from everyday problems. A street snack led to a
crore-rupee idea.
● Authenticity wins. Staying true to traditional flavors gave them a unique identity.
● Social media is a powerful launchpad. Instagram helped them connect directly with
customers.
● Affordability matters. Price sensitivity in India is high, and balancing quality with value
was key.
● Age is no barrier. With passion and execution, even teenagers can build scalable
ventures.
Final Thoughts
Shuddh Swad’s journey proves that entrepreneurship doesn’t always need large capital,
advanced degrees, or industry connections. What it does need is a sharp eye for opportunity,
the courage to act, and relentless execution.
In just 12 months, two teenagers turned their love for Indian snacks into a ₹1 crore business.
Their story is not just about food it’s about resilience, vision, and the spirit of young India daring
to dream big.
Featured by TheMarketingMirror.com
At themarketingmirror.com, we love highlighting stories where tradition meets innovation with
purpose. Shuddh Swad’s inspiring journey, built by two teenagers who turned nostalgic Indian
snacks into a ₹1 crore venture in just one year, shows how passion, authenticity, and vision can
reshape an entire category.
If your venture blends culture and commerce in meaningful ways, we’d love to feature your story
next.
