Global Usage of Makhana (Foxnut): Health Benefits, Export Demand & Superfood Rise

Across the globe, a quiet revolution is taking place in the munching industry. From busy office desks in London to yoga retreats in Italy and organic food aisles in Germany, foxnut is emerging as a complete, gluten-free, plant-based snack that people are choosing across different verticals of life to stay fit.

Global Rise of Foxnuts in Healthy Snacking

Now you must be wondering, what is Foxnut, and where did it emerge from? To get started, foxnut is also known as lotus seed; it is the popped seed of Euryale ferox, a plant native to the wetlands of Bihar India.

Traditionally consumed in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, foxnut has been part of Indian diets for centuries. In Ayurveda, it is valued for its cooling properties, high mineral content, and boon for India’s stomach industry.

The Western world, however, only recently began to recognize its potential. As clean eating, gluten-free diets, and plant-based proteins gained popularity, foxnuts’ benefits are a check-box for every household. High in magnesium and low in fat, it quickly earned the label of a superfood among global wellness communities.

Global Rise of Foxnuts in Healthy Snacking

There has been a worldwide shift in the way people snack. Consumers today are looking for snacks that are not only tasty but also contribute positively to their health. This trend, especially strong in Europe, has opened the door for traditional, lesser-known foods like foxnut to gain attention and made it global rise of Foxnut.

India remains the largest exporter of makhana. In the fiscal year 2023–2024, the country exported approximately 25,130 metric tons of makhana. With this number, we can say that the numbers are expected to touch the base of USD 177.7 million by 2025.

Unlike many Western snacks that rely on artificial flavoring or excessive sugar, foxnut offers more than taste; it offer a balance of fullness and a healthy lifestyle. It’s naturally gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and low in sodium, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Top Countries Consuming Foxnuts

The export of foxnuts from India has grown steadily in the past five years. Leading the demand are countries such as:

• United Kingdom – Known for its strong health food market and demand for vegan snacks.
• Germany – A growing market for organic and Ayurvedic foods.
• France – Embracing clean-label, low-calorie snacks.
• Italy – Health-conscious millennials are driving the demand.
• Netherlands and Scandinavia – Early adopters of ancient grains and natural snacks.

The United States and Canada are also major importers, especially through online retail and wellness-focused supermarkets.

Forms in Which Foxnut Is Used Globally

Foxnut is being embraced in various forms across the world:

• Roasted and Spiced Foxnuts – Sold in resealable pouches for on-the-way snacking.
• Foxnut Flour – Used in gluten-free baking mixes and energy bars.
• Foxnut Breakfast Cereals – A rising trend in Europe.
• Foxnut Trail Mixes – Combined with seeds, dry fruits, and herbs.
• Foxnut-Based Desserts – In vegan puddings and yoghurts.

Usage of Foxnut in different countries

America

Makhana also called plant pop, Water lily Seed, Foxnut or Popped Makhana in USA. In USA Foxnut consumed as healthy snacks, Tasty flavored pops, & As a supplement to daily protein requirements. Foxnut different forms are consumed in different needs. Like the makhana powder as protein powder. America Importing mostly makhana from India. 

China

In China, fox nuts (called Qianshi) are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal teas, and soups. They’re mostly cultivated in Hunan, Jiangsu, Fujian, and Zhejiang provinces.

South Korea

Foxnuts are used in health teas and supplements in South Korea. They’re often imported from India and China, and domestic farming is limited

Vietnam

In Vietnam, it is known locally as Hat Sen, and Foxnuts are used in soups, teas, and traditional medicine. Cultivation happens in the Mekong Delta.

Thailand

In Thailand, foxnuts (called Met Bua) are used in sweet dishes and traditional snacks. They are mostly grown in Nakhon Pathom and Chiang Mai regions.

Indonesia

Foxnuts (Biji Teratai) are part of traditional herbal medicine in Indonesia. Most of the seeds are imported, and cultivation is limited.

Russia

In Russia, foxnuts (Lotus Seeds) are used in health supplements and foods. Most of the seeds come from India and China.

Japan

Japan calls them Hasu no Mi. They are added to traditional desserts, teas, and health foods, mostly in Central Japan like Ibaraki and Aichi. Most are imported.

Why International Buyers Are Choosing Indian Foxnut

India is the world’s largest producer and exporter of foxnut. The eastern state of Bihar, in particular, has become a global supply hub which is producing world 90% of Foxnut/Lotus Seed. Here’s why buyers prefer Indian foxnut:

• Quality and Size: Indian foxnuts are larger, whiter. A higher popping rate is often observed, which makes them more appealing for packaged snack products.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Most are grown in natural pond systems with zero fertilizers. The crop is largely cultivated using age-old, eco-friendly practices. As a result, the produce is often considered more natural and sustainable by international buyers.
• Government Support: Schemes like Makhana Vikas Yojana have improved cultivation and packaging. Farmers have been supported with improved seeds, training, and financial aid. As a result, packaging standards, storage facilities, and post-harvest quality have seen noticeable improvements.
• Traceability and Certification: Organic and GI-tagged varieties like Mithila foxnut increase global trust. These certifications have helped build greater trust among global consumers and importers.

Global Production of Foxnuts Is Still Growing

There’s limited data on how foxnuts (makhana) are cultivated worldwide, which makes it hard to track trends. India, China, and Nepal are among the few countries producing them at a noticeable scale.

Foxnut in Global Retail

Retailers across Europe are increasingly stocking fox nuts in their health food sections. Brands are labelling them as “popped lotus seeds” to make them more familiar to Western consumers. The stores in the UK, the USA, Germany, and France, foxnut products now sit beside quinoa chips and kale crisps.

Foxnut is also making its way into mainstream supermarkets and being promoted as a low-calorie alternative to popcorn and potato crisps.

The Future of Foxnut

The global foxnut market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. With increasing awareness, better marketing, and expanding product lines, the demand is poised to rise not only in health food circles but also among general consumers.

Innovations like chocolate-coated foxnuts, herb-infused snacks, and foxnut meal kits are on the horizon. With the right trade relationships and consistent quality, Indian farmers stand to gain long-term benefits from this rising trend.

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