The common base: roasted peanuts
Both products begin with the roasted-peanut experience: crunch, nutty aroma, plant protein, mostly unsaturated fat and fibre. Roasting creates much of the characteristic aroma through Maillard chemistry. The difference comes from what is added around that base.
Masala Peanuts: the bold option
ZANZAN lists peanuts, red chilli, garlic, Maharashtrian spices, cold-pressed groundnut oil and salt. This version is designed for people who want a medium-hot, aromatic snack. The seasoning makes it a natural fit for chai, informal sharing and adding crunch to poha or bhel.
The oil helps the spice blend cling to the peanut. That does not make the product deep-fried, but it does mean “roasted” should not be read as “no added oil.”
Salted Peanuts: the simpler option
Salted Peanuts keep the flavour closer to the roasted nut, with salt as the main seasoning. They suit travel, a work drawer or a lunchbox when chilli and garlic would be too assertive.
Simple does not automatically mean unlimited. Peanuts remain calorie-dense and salt contributes sodium, so use the nutrition panel and a measured portion.
How should you compare salt?
Compare the same basis on both nutrition panels—usually per 100 g—and then translate that value to the amount you expect to eat. Do not compare one product’s per-serving sodium with another product’s per-100 g value.
WHO recommends adults keep total salt intake below 5 g per day from all foods combined. That is an overall dietary limit, not a claim about one ZANZAN serving. People with medical sodium restrictions should follow personalised professional advice.
Which one fits which moment?
- Chai and a bold savoury craving: Masala Peanuts.
- A mild travel or desk snack: Salted Peanuts.
- Bhel, poha or a snack bowl needing spice: Masala Peanuts.
- Sharing with people who prefer less chilli: Salted Peanuts.
- Trying both before choosing a favourite: a combo with both variants.
A better portion habit
Pour what you plan to eat into a small bowl and close the pouch. This makes the serving visible and helps protect the remaining peanuts from humidity. Pair the snack with water, unsweetened tea, fruit or another part of a varied diet rather than stacking multiple salty packaged foods together.
Allergy and label checklist
Both products contain peanuts, a major allergen. Read the physical label before serving or sharing. Check the ingredient list, allergen statement, nutrition panel, batch code, packed-on or manufacturing date, best-before date and storage directions.
Buying in Pune and PCMC
ZANZAN is a Pune-based Maharashtra food brand. Product pages show pack sizes, current prices, ingredients and laboratory reports. Eligible Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad addresses can check same-day delivery availability at checkout; availability depends on the entered location and current delivery service.