Paro expands South Asian-inspired portfolio

NEW YORK — Paro has debuted its next lentil-based product within its South Asian-inspired portfolio: Paro lentil crisps.

The snacks, developed in partnership with chef Fatima Khawaja, are formulated with lentil flour, cooked in avocado oil and are coated with a seasoning blend.

Each bag provides 12 grams of plant-based protein, 120 calories per serving and come in flavors such as jalapeno mint, barbecue tikka, Himalayan pink salt and pepper.  

“Each flavor was rooted in a specific South Asian food memory and reverse-engineered into snack form,” said Umaimah Sharwani, founder of Paro.

Paro first debuted in February 2023 with Tarka oil and ready-to-eat, homestyle meals that were inspired by Sharwani’s Pakistani and South Asian heritage.

 “I kept hearing from people who loved the flavors but didn’t always have time to cook,” she said. “I wanted to meet that consumer where they are. Chips felt like the natural next step, a way to bring those same flavors into every day, on-the-go life without compromising on taste or nutrition.”

Through Paro, Sharwani said her goal has been to introduce more consumers to lentils and keep the ingredient at the center of her products.

“Our original products, Daal and Kitchari, were built on them, and our chip is no different,” she said. ”When we entered the snack space, we wanted to bring that same foundational ingredient and ethos with us.”

Consumers may purchase the lentil crisps on the company’s website for $30 for a 6-pack or $54 for a 12-pack and for $5.99 at retailers.