Makhana: popped water lily seeds, chia seeds & cacao nibs

What makhana is

Makhana is the seed of a water lily, also called fox nut or lotus seed. The seeds are harvested, dried and popped, which leaves a light, crisp snack that holds seasoning well. Oh Lily Snacks makes every pack of popped seeds here, sourcing its water lily seeds from India. The texture is closer to popcorn than to most nuts and seeds, so a bag goes further than you might expect. We stock both brands because they list every ingredient and say where their seeds come from.

Makhana snacks: savoury and sweet

Savoury flavours include Cheezy Vegan, Indian Gold turmeric and black pepper, and French Riviera. Sweet flavours are coated in plant-based chocolate, such as Aztec Treasure dark chocolate, Parisian Kiss chocolate and raspberry, Japanese Gems matcha and Keralan Snow chocolate and coconut. Many flavours are vegan and gluten free, and the labels list every ingredient. Multipacks and a family snack box suit lunchboxes, and a mixed box of six flavours is a good way to try the range before you choose a favourite.

Chia seeds and cacao nibs

Creative Nature makes organic chia seeds and organic cacao nibs. Chia seeds soak up liquid and turn soft, so they work in overnight oats, puddings and jams. Stir two tablespoons into 150ml of milk or yoghurt and leave them in the fridge overnight. Cacao nibs are crushed cocoa beans with a bitter, nutty crunch. Sprinkle them over porridge, yoghurt or banana bread, or fold them into cookie dough instead of chocolate chips.

Ways to use popped water lily seeds

Eat them from the bag, tip them into a bowl for guests, or scatter the savoury flavours over soup and salad for crunch. Keep opened bags sealed, as they soften in damp air, and finish them within a few days while they are still crisp. A handful in a small tub makes an easy picnic or travel snack. Treats has oat bars and kids' snack bars, Chocolate has more chocolate-coated water lily seeds, Spices & Seasonings has Oh Lily's spice mixes, and The grocery shop that actually cuts waste has tips for a lower-waste weekly shop.