Start Up To Scale Up: CEO of Open Secret on transforming Indian snacking for better health

Ahana Gautam, founder of Open Secret, charts her journey from a childhood in Rajasthan to building one of India’s most innovative snacking brands. She tackles how “junk” entered Indian homes, why protein deficiency (Indians eat just 40–45g daily) is a national issue, and the challenges of beating established FMCG brands. Ahana shares how Open Secret’s “unjunked” snacks (no maida, no palm oil, no artificial additives) are not just tasty but affordable and made for the modern Indian family. Through homegrown R&D, rapid product iteration, and direct consumer feedback, Ahana has steered Open Secret to a leading market share in premium healthy snacks—proving that taste, trust, and authenticity can win over the masses and reset India’s snacking habits.