GST on Snacks — Namkeen, Chips, Sweets, Popcorn Rates
Updated: 3 June 2026 | CGST Act | Popcorn Rate Updated Jan 2025
GST on most packaged snacks: 12% for namkeen, chips, bhujia, puffed snacks. Sweets/mithai at 5%. Caramel/sugar-coated popcorn: 18% (GST Council clarification January 2025). Unbranded loose papad: 0%. Chocolates: 18%. Aerated drinks: 28% + 12% compensation cess.
12% GST
Standard rate for most packaged snacks — namkeen, bhujia, chips, roasted snacks.
Unbranded loose items may attract 0-5%. Caramel popcorn clarified at 18% from January 2025 GST Council meeting.
Unbranded loose items may attract 0-5%. Caramel popcorn clarified at 18% from January 2025 GST Council meeting.
GST Rate Chart — Snacks and Packaged Foods
| Product | GST Rate | HSN Code | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namkeen (bhujia, sev, mixture) | 12% | 2106 | Branded or unbranded |
| Potato chips, wafers (Lay's, Kurkure) | 12% | 2005/1905 | — |
| Papad (unbranded loose) | 0% | 1905 | Branded papad: 12% |
| Puffed rice (murmura) — loose unbranded | 0% | 1904 | Branded packaged: 5% |
| Popcorn (plain, salted) — packaged | 12% | 2008 | — |
| Caramel / sugar-coated popcorn | 18% | 1704 | Clarified Jan 2025 by GST Council |
| Mithai / Indian sweets (halwa, barfi, ladoo) | 5% | 2106 | — |
| Chocolates (all types) | 18% | 1806 | Includes chocolate bars, bonbons |
| Sugar candies/toffees | 18% | 1704 | — |
| Biscuits (general) | 18% | 1905 | Below ₹100/kg: 5% |
| Dry fruits (cashew, almond, pistachio) | 12% | 0801/0802 | — |
| Ice cream, kulfi | 18% | 2105 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GST rate on chips and namkeen?
GST on common snacks: Namkeen (salted, fried snacks): 12% GST (HSN 2106). Potato chips/wafers (Lay's, Kurkure style): 12% GST (HSN 1905/2005). Papad: 0% GST (unbranded), 12% if branded. Puffed rice (murmura): 0% if unbranded/loose, 5% if branded packaged. Roasted dry fruits/nuts: 12% GST. Ready-to-eat popcorn (unpopped corn mixed with salt/fat): 5% GST. Popcorn pre-popped (packaged): 12% GST. Caramel/sugar-coated popcorn: 18% GST (Budget 2024 clarification). Bhujia/sev: 12% GST.
What is the GST on packaged food vs loose food?
Key distinction: branded/packaged vs unbranded/loose: Unbranded loose food (pulses, cereals, rice, wheat flour sold loose): 0% GST. Branded packaged food (registered trademark): 5% GST on most basic food items. Processed snacks regardless of branding: higher rates (12%/18%). Examples: Loose rice: 0%. Branded rice (India Gate): 5%. Loose namkeen from local shop: 12% (processing makes it 12% regardless of branding). Ready-to-eat meals: 5-12%. Canned/preserved food: 12-18%. Restaurant food: 5% (standalone) or 18% (in hotel with room tariff >₹7,500/day).
What is the GST on sweets and mithai?
GST on sweets: Mithai from halwai/sweet shop: 5% GST (HSN 2106 — food preparations). Sugar confectionery (candies, chocolates): 18% GST. Halwa, barfi, ladoo, gulab jamun: 5% GST. Dry fruits and mixed mithai boxes: 5-12% depending on composition. Chocolates: 18% GST (HSN 1806). Sugar: 5% GST. Jaggery (gur): 5% GST (branded), 0% (unbranded loose). Ice cream: 18% GST. Kulfi/frozen desserts: 18% GST. Note: If sweet shop also provides restaurant services (sitting area), the sitting portion attracts 5% GST; takeaway mithai at 5%.
Is GST applicable on homemade food or home delivery?
Homemade food: Individual selling homemade food (below ₹20L annual turnover): No GST registration required, no GST charged. Small home kitchen businesses (cloud kitchens) below threshold: No GST. Once annual turnover > ₹20L: GST registration mandatory — 5% on food delivery (restaurant services). Zomato/Swiggy: The aggregator pays 5% GST on restaurant services collected from customers (Section 9(5) — as deemed supplier). Restaurant directly on Swiggy: restaurant does not pay GST on Zomato orders (aggregator is deemed supplier). Packaging charges: part of restaurant supply — same rate as food.
What is the GST on health food and protein supplements?
Health food GST: Protein powder/whey protein: 18% GST (HSN 2106 — food preparations). Energy bars/protein bars: 18% GST. Multivitamin/supplement tablets: 12% GST if in tablet/capsule form (medicament under HSN 3004). Health drinks like Horlicks/Complan: 18% GST (classified as food preparation, not medicine). Dry fruits: 12% GST. Organic food (labeled organic): same GST rate as regular equivalent — organic label doesn't change GST. Ayurvedic health supplements: if under Ayurvedic Medicine Act (Form 43 licence) → 12% GST; if food supplement → 18%.
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