India’s $80 billion food services market is poised to grow at a compound annual rate of up to 11% to become a $152 billion by 2030, Redseer Strategy Consultants said in its January 2025 report, titled “The Big Bite: Scaling Success in India’s Food Services.”

The organized sector, led by online food delivery and dine-in chains, particularly cloud kitchens, is catalyzing growth through operational efficiency and scalable revenue models, it added.

While fusion cuisine, health-conscious eating, and the expansion of e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms are feeding demand, fluctuating ingredient costs, strict safety regulations, and complex supply chains present challenges, analysts noted.

Food delivery, meanwhile, is seeing a mini renaissance in India with the success of quick commerce unlocking new consumer behavior insights for cloud kitchen firms, startup news portal Inc42 said in a recent report.

A look at some promising startups in the food tech sector that are blending the right growth ingredients to cook up success stories:

Good Dot

Cofounders: Abhishek Sinha and Deepak Parihar

Founded in 2016 by Abhishek Sinha and Deepak Parihar, the startup Good Dot is headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and specializes in textured vegetable proteins. These vegan ingredients are crafted into plant-based alternatives for mutton, chicken, fish, eggs, and other meats. Abhishek Sinha, a former Indian Revenue Service officer turned CEO and co-founder, is driven by a vision to create a humane world through vegan meat options. Good Dot, aiming to rank among the top three global plant-based meat brands, is broadening its reach both domestically and internationally. The startup also operates a quick-service restaurant (QSR) sub-brand, Good Do, which serves plant-based meats via a food cart model called “Keema Pao.” Plans are underway to launch over 100 GoodDo outlets within the next five to six months. Additionally, GoodDot exports its products to Australia, Dubai, and the US.

Go Zero

Founder: Kiran Shah

Founded in 2022, the startup Go Zero is a trailblazing ice cream brand set to transform the dessert industry with guilt-free, healthier alternatives. While its origin city is unspecified, Go Zero boasts a substantial footprint across 16 major Indian cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The brand offers zero-sugar, high-protein, and low-calorie ice creams, meeting the increasing consumer demand for healthier desserts. Go Zero’s profile soared after appearing on Shark Tank India, where it received an investment from Aman Gupta, valuing the company at ₹66.67 crore.

Eat Better

Founders: Mridula Kanoria, Shaurya Kanoria, and Vidushi Kajaria

Founded in August 2020 by a trio of entrepreneurs, the Jaipur-based direct-to-consumer (D2C) food startup Eat Better specializes in 100% natural, sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan snacks. Their products merge traditional culinary wisdom with contemporary nutritional needs, featuring items like nutritious ladoos, nut and seed mixes, and salty snacks such as millet and quinoa seed mixes. Initially self-funded with ₹25 lakh, Eat Better secured ₹6 crore in a seed funding round led by Java Capital and Mumbai Angels. The company has seen significant growth, achieving over ₹1 crore in monthly sales and a 400% annual growth rate over two years. Eat Better also runs an in-house manufacturing facility in Jaipur, employs over 100 people, and is committed to empowering women.

Pluckk

Founder: Pratik Gupta

The startup Pluckk has innovated by introducing “ozone-washed” and traceable produce, providing high-quality, clean food to its consumers. It has onboarded over 1,000 farmers across its operational cities, supporting a farm-to-table model that cuts out intermediaries. Pluckk’s products are available through its app and major platforms such as Amazon, Swiggy, Dunzo, Zepto, and Reliance Signature Stores, ensuring wide accessibility. In a strategic move, Pluckk partnered with actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as an investor and brand ambassador in August 2023, boosting its visibility.

In October 2024, Pluckk acquired the direct-to-consumer nutrition brand Upnourish for $1.4 million, broadening its range to include meal replacement smoothies, soups, and bars. Pluckk has reached significant financial achievements, with an annual recurring revenue of ₹100 crore in FY24. The company is aiming to double its revenues within 12 months and plans to expand its operations to 15 cities over the next three years.

Swa Artisanal Syrups

Cofounder: Vaishali Mehta

Swa Artisanal Syrups, based in Bengaluru, crafts 100% natural, preservative-free syrups for a variety of beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, iced teas, and craft coffees. An all-women team at Swa creates products featuring distinctive Indian flavors like jamun kala khatta and guava chili. The startup has formed partnerships with notable brands such as Baskin Robbins, Blue Tokai, and Toit, and currently serves over 200 food and beverage outlets. Despite challenges from the pandemic, Swa has maintained a consistent upward trajectory in both revenue and profit and is actively pursuing further growth in the HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) industry.

TagZ Foods

Founders: Anish Basu Roy and Sagar Bhalotia

Founded in 2019 in Bengaluru by Anish Basu Roy and Sagar Bhalotia, TagZ Foods specializes in creating healthy snack alternatives using advanced food technology. Known for its popped potato chips, TagZ’s products are neither fried nor baked, boasting 50% less fat and no cholesterol. Operating in the business-to-consumer sector, the company distributes its products across 22 cities in India and internationally through e-commerce platforms and retail stores. After securing ₹70 lakh from entrepreneur Ashneer Grover on a reality show, TagZ Foods saw its sales triple and is now targeting a turnover of ₹50-80 crore by FY25, having raised $3.09 million from various investors.

The Betel Leaf Co

Co-founder: Payal Raheja

Co-founded by Payal Raheja, The Betel Leaf Co innovates desserts with paan (betel leaf), offering a modern take on this traditional Indian treat. Established in Bangalore, it is India’s first Food Safety and Standards Authority of India-certified online paan delivery company and features unique, tobacco-free desserts like coffee and tiramisu paan under 50 calories. With experience in the packaged consumer goods industry, Payal has expanded operations to over 20 cities across 12 states and internationally to places like Singapore and the UK. The company plans further expansion, including physical stores to enhance brand presence and customer experience.

Troovy

Founders: Aditya Mukherjee and Mansi Baranwal

Troovy, founded in 2023 by IIM Bengaluru alumni Mansi Baranwal and Aditya Mukherjee, aims to revolutionize children’s nutrition in India with chemical-free, nutrient-rich products. Addressing nutritional deficiencies, Troovy’s range includes chemical-free sauces and nutritious milk mixes. With backgrounds in consumer goods and growth hacking at major startups including Zomato, the founders are expanding into essential children’s food categories such as bread and cereals, combining great taste with wholesome nutrition.

TruNativ

Founder: Pranav Malhotra

Founded by Pranav Malhotra, TruNativ seeks to simplify nutrition using natural, whole-food ingredients. Its product line includes Everyday Protein, Fiber, and Sweetener, all designed to meet the specific dietary needs of Indian consumers with convenience for various age groups. The products, said to be free from additives and sugars, support healthier lifestyles. Supported by an investment from Rainmatter, TruNativ is expanding its market reach and product range to further its mission of accessible, clean nutrition.

UJI Foods

Founder: Sahil S.J.

UJI Foods, established by Sahil S.J. in May 2021, began in Kerala and is now headquartered in Chandigarh. Focusing initially on premium coconut water sourced from Kerala’s lush locales, UJI Foods has earned a reputation for quality and natural hydration. Expanding into Vietnam, the company now also offers a range of vibrant, healthy fruit juices, continuing its mission to nourish both body and soul through innovative food and beverage products.