The monsoon season brings a welcome break from scorching summer heat — but also ushers in sky-high humidity that can quickly turn your favourite crispy snacks into soggy disappointments. Whether it’s homemade pakoras, namkeen, biscuits, or store-bought chips, keeping snacks fresh and crunchy during rainy days becomes a serious kitchen challenge.
But don’t worry. With a few clever tricks and proper storage hacks, you can easily maintain that irresistible crunch. Here’s how to keep your snacks crispy throughout the monsoon season.
1. Store In Airtight Containers – It’s Non-Negotiable
Humidity is your snack’s biggest enemy. Exposing crispy treats to even a little air can make them soft and stale.
What to Do:
- Use high-quality airtight containers (preferably glass or hard plastic with silicone seals).
- Avoid reusing loosely-fitting containers or plastic bags.
- Always make sure the snack has cooled completely before sealing.
2. Add Moisture Absorbers Inside Containers
To prevent moisture buildup, place natural desiccants inside your snack jars.
Try These:
- A small muslin cloth bag with rice or rock salt
- Food-safe silica gel packets (often found in packaged snacks)
- A clean piece of blotting paper to absorb excess moisture
Tip: Replace or dry these regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
3. Reheat To Regain Crunch
If your snacks have already gone soft, don’t toss them. You can bring back the crunch with a little heat.
How:
- Oven: Preheat at 150°C and bake snacks for 3–5 minutes.
- Tawa/Pan: Dry roast over low heat, stirring continuously.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute on a paper towel (watch closely to avoid burning).
Let them cool completely before sealing them again.
4. Avoid Storing Snacks Near Steam Or Heat
Storing snack jars near the stove, microwave, or even on the dining table during humid meals can expose them to steam, reducing shelf life.
What to Do:
- Choose a cool, dry, and dark storage space — like a pantry or kitchen shelf away from appliances.
- Avoid opening the containers frequently when the kitchen is hot or steamy.
5. Use Zip Lock Bags For Portion Control
Opening a large jar every time you want a quick munch allows humidity to seep in.
Solution:
- Divide snacks into small zip lock bags or mini containers.
- Open one pack at a time and keep the rest sealed.
This not only keeps snacks fresh longer but also helps with portion control.
6. Keep A Kitchen Towel Handy
A simple cotton kitchen towel can work wonders during monsoon. Wipe the outside of containers or jars before opening, especially if they’ve absorbed moisture.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re serving snacks to guests, line the snack bowl with a paper napkin or towel to absorb humidity as they sit on the table.
7. Prefer Dry Roasted Snacks Over Fried Ones
Fried snacks tend to absorb moisture more easily. Dry roasted or baked options typically retain crispness better in humid weather.
Better Choices Include:
- Roasted makhana
- Baked namak pare
- Roasted chana or nuts
- Oven-baked sev or chips
8. Don’t Mix Old And New Snacks
If you’re topping up a snack jar with a fresh batch, never mix it with the older stock unless the old one is 100% dry.
Why:
Even slightly soft snacks can transfer moisture to fresh ones, making the entire batch go limp.
Snacks are meant to be enjoyed crispy and crunchy — not soggy and sad. By paying attention to storage, moisture control, and quick revival methods, you can outsmart the monsoon’s humidity. With these simple yet effective tips, your evening tea-time will remain just as satisfying, no matter how wet it gets outside.
So this monsoon, munch smart and keep the crunch alive.
