Mithai vs Desserts: Why Indian Sweets Are Gaining Global Popularity?
Not too long ago, ending the day with a slice of cake or a gooey brownie was the norm. And traditional Indian mithais? Well, they were reserved only for guests, special occasions and festivals.
But now? The tables have turned, and Indian sweets are being widely appreciated and preferred over the typical chocolate-based desserts. They are no longer an occasional treat. According to reports, the Indian packaged sweets market size reached INR 7,268.0 Crore in 2024. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16% from 2025 to 2033.
Quite a sweet surprise, isn’t it? Let's read further about mithai vs desserts to understand what brought this change.
Why Are More People Choosing Indian Mithai Over Western Desserts?
The following are a few of the many reasons why Indian sweets in the global markets are gaining popularity:
A Growing Indian Diaspora with Deeper Cultural Roots: As more Indians move abroad, their connection with tradition becomes even stronger. Festivals, weddings, and celebrations, at times, feel incomplete without the familiar taste of mithai. For many, sweets like laddoos, gulab jamuns, kaju katli, or peda are not just desserts but emotional ties to home. This growing demand among NRIs has led to an increase in exports and the presence of mithai brands overseas.
Cultural Curiosity and Tasty Food Exploration: Earlier, people in the West recognised Indian food as only spicy and fried savouries. However, they are now also exploring the sweet side of India. Mithai, with its bold flavours, rich textures, and colourful appearance, naturally draws attention. Whether it’s the melt-in-the-mouth feel of a rasgulla or the creamy indulgence of kalakand, international food lovers are discovering a whole new dessert experience that's completely different from the Western world.
Premium and Thoughtful Packaging that Travels Well: One of the biggest challenges with exporting mithai was its shelf life. Today, brands have overcome that with vacuum-sealed packs, temperature-controlled logistics, and hygienic production practices. Due to its elegant and colourful packaging, Indian sweets are now gift-worthy, travel-friendly, and appealing even on premium retail shelves worldwide.
Rich, Wholesome Ingredients: Unlike many industrial desserts loaded with preservatives, good mithai is made using time-tested ingredients such as pure cow milk, ghee, cardamom, saffron, jaggery, and nuts. These ingredients don’t just add flavour; they bring nutrition and authenticity. Many families view them as more nourishing compared to processed chocolate desserts.
Innovative Fusion Flavours: Modern mithai is breaking stereotypes. Sweet makers and brands are experimenting with flavours like dark chocolate, rose, coffee, orange zest, and even adding cranberry, red velvet and blueberries to their traditional mithais. This blend of innovation and tradition is attractive to urban buyers and global audiences who want familiar flavours with a twist.
The Convenience of Online Shopping: Buying mithai is now easier than ever. Reputed brands have launched e-commerce platforms, enabling customers worldwide to order freshly made sweets with just a few clicks. From packaging and payment to shipping and delivery, everything has been streamlined. This ease of access has played a big role in mithai’s growing global footprint.
| But are Indian mithais all about taste and flavour? No, they are healthy as well. | |
| Health Benefits: |
Many Indian sweets are naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Made with ingredients like:
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| Modern Appeal: |
This health-conscious approach makes mithai a favorite beyond the Indian community, fitting well with:
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Indian Mithai vs Western Desserts: What’s Better for Your Health?
So far, we have discussed how Indian mithais are better in terms of flavour, ingredients, and unique taste. Now, let's take a look at the health benefits of Indian mithais in the table below:
| Points of Difference | Indian Mithai | Western Desserts |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ingredients | Cow milk, ghee, jaggery, dry fruits, rose petals, cardamom, saffron | Refined flour, white sugar, butter, cream, artificial flavours |
| Added Sweeteners | Natural options like jaggery or dates in many varieties | Mostly refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup |
| Nutritional Value | Rich in healthy fats, calcium, protein, iron and antioxidants (depending on type) | Often high in empty calories, sugar and saturated fats |
| Cultural Timing | Consumed in moderation during festivals and family occasions | Often part of daily indulgence or post-meal habits |
| Digestive Compatibility | Ingredients like cardamom and ghee aid digestion | Heavy cream and artificial flavours can feel heavy to digest |
| Portion Size | Smaller, bite-sized portions that encourage moderation | Served in larger slices or bowls (cakes and pastries) |
Which Are The Top Exported Indian Sweets?
Indian mithai has found fans far beyond our borders. As highlighted in this article by The Hindu, Indian sweet makers are exporting tonnes of sweets abroad every festive season, especially during Diwali.
Better packaging, global logistics, improved shelf life, rising demand, and online access have helped Indian mithai brands reach countries such as the USA, UAE, UK, Australia, and Canada with ease.
The top exported Indian sweets are:
Kaju Katli
Gulab Jamun
Kalakand
Malai Peda
Dry Fruit Barfi
Rasgulla
Motichoor Ladoo
Which Sweet is at No.1 in India?
If there’s one sweet that stands out across age groups, regions, and celebrations, it’s Gulab Jamun. Soft, spongy, and soaked in cardamom-scented syrup, it’s a traditional mithai that brings instant joy. Whether it's a wedding, festival, or a casual Sunday family gathering, Gulab Jamun is everyone's favourite in Indian families.
So, is your mouth watering at the thought of Gulab Jamun? Why don’t you order from Kota Fresh?
At Kota Fresh, we understand the emotion behind every bite of mithai. That’s why we take pride in offering not just the classics like Gulab Jamun, but a wide variety of sweets made the traditional way with pure cow milk, high-quality ingredients, and zero preservatives.
Our collection of healthy sweets at Kota Fresh Diary also includes malai peda and kaju katli. What’s more? We follow strict hygiene standards and are proud to be ISO-certified and FSSAI-approved, ensuring every sweet you enjoy is safe, clean, and of the highest quality.
Whether you’re gifting, celebrating, or simply indulging, Kota Fresh offers mithais that are fresh, flavorful, and full of heart.
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