How Ananya Bhandare went from home baker to wellness maven

In the otherwise monotonous world of wellness entrepreneurship, Ananya Bhandare stands out as a beacon of innovation and authenticity. Her journey from a 12-year-old running a home bakery to now becoming the founder of Jungly Delights, a premium superfood brand, is a testament to the power of her passion and purpose.

Bhandare's first venture into the culinary world began with La Dolce Vita, her childhood bakery adventure. "I used to experiment with recipes from my grandmother's Good Housekeeping cookbook from the 80s," she reminisces. This early experience laid the foundation for her future endeavours, teaching her the importance of quality ingredients and customer loyalty.

Her transition from law to wellness was not a leap but a natural progression. "Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in wellness and baking," Bhandare explains. This interest and her psychology background and certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach have shaped her unique approach to product development.

Bhandare's philosophy is refreshingly positive. "I want food to be associated with fun and nourishment instead of guilt," she states, renouncing fad diets to focus on healthy, joyful living. This ethos is at the heart of Jungly Delights, where traditional Indian superfoods meet modern convenience.

The inspiration for Jungly Delights struck during Bhandare's time in New York. Observing the West's newfound appreciation for Indian superfoods, she saw an opportunity to reintroduce these powerful ingredients to her home market. "I blended these superfoods in a very palatable form, using no refined sugars or anything artificial," she explains, describing her journey to create the perfect superfood bar.

Bhandare's vision extends beyond mere product creation. She sees herself as part of a larger movement towards mindful consumption in India. "My mission is to make healthy food accessible to as many people as possible," she declares, positioning Jungly Delights as a premium alternative to processed snacks.

As India's wellness landscape evolves, Bhandare remains at the forefront, combining traditional wisdom with modern science. Her approach to superfoods is innovative and accessible, offering consumers luxurious yet healthful options. From incorporating superfood bars into gourmet parfaits to creating nutrient-rich smoothies, she demonstrates that healthy eating can be both indulgent and beneficial.

In Ananya’s world, wellness is not a trend but a lifestyle that's delicious, sustainable, and deeply rooted in tradition. As she continues to shape India's approach to health and nutrition, one superfood bar at a time, it's clear that the sweet life she envisioned as a young baker has evolved into something far more profound: a wellness revolution that has a distinctly Indian flavour.

Lead image credits: Jungly Delights

Body image credits: Instagram/ @ananyabhandare 

Also read: Kareena Kapoor Khan's no-make sunkissed selfies to inspire you
Also read: From Berlin to India, Nic Kaufmann is blending his social media fame with a whole lot of culture and fashion