The food processing industry has expanded significantly, driven by the demand for a diverse range of high-quality food products that cater to consumers’ convenience. With the fast-paced lifestyles of many Indians, especially in urban areas, there is an increasing need for quick and practical food solutions, such as instant mixes for ice cream, kulfi, gulab jamun and soup. Soup, which derives its name from the Teutonic word “suppa,” traditionally consists of a thick stew served over bread. It is typically made from vegetables, fish, or meat, combined with water, juice, or stock and may include thickening agents. Soups can be classified into two main types: thick soups, made with cereal or pulse flour, cream and eggs
(Radha et al., 2015) and clear soups, which are made from clear extracts of plant or animal sources. Instant soups offer a nearly ready-to-eat option that requires minimal cooking time
(Dhiman et al., 2017). The growing popularity of instant foods reflects a demand for meals that are quick, hygienic, easy to prepare and convenient to consume
(Islam et al., 2018). Instant mixes have become popular for their convenience, with the global instant food market growing at around 12 to 15% annually
(Gandhi et al., 2017). Available products include instant mixes for idli, gulab jamun and soups, which only require boiling water for preparation. Traditionally, soup serves as an appetizer or comfort food, especially during illness, but homemade soups are increasingly being replaced by commercially prepared options like canned, dehydrated and frozen soups. Instant soup is particularly suitable for breakfast due to its high energy and nutrient content and quick preparation time (
Sunyoto and Futiawati, 2012). The concept of soup as a convenience food originated in France, where it is often the main component of evening meals (
Abdel-Haleem and Omran, 2014). Dry soup mixes offer health benefits through the incorporation of functional ingredients and have advantages such as long shelf stability (6 to 12 months) without refrigeration, making them ideal for working families, hospitals, hotels and military rations. Additionally, their lightweight nature facilitates shipping and they are available year-round (
Igwenyi and Azoro, 2014).
The Indian instant soup market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by changing lifestyles and increasing demand for convenient food options. Several companies have established a strong presence in this sector, offering a variety of flavors to cater to diverse consumer preferences. The Indian instant soup market is led by several key players, each catering to different consumer preferences. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) dominates the segment with its Knorr brand, offering a diverse range of flavors and continuously innovating to meet changing consumer demands. Capital Foods Limited, known for its Ching’s Secret brand, specializes in Indo-Chinese flavored soups, attracting consumers who enjoy bold and spicy options. MTR Foods Pvt. Ltd. focuses on traditional Indian flavors, providing instant soups that offer the convenience of quick preparation while maintaining familiar, authentic tastes. Meanwhile, Bambino Agro Industries Ltd. has expanded its product portfolio to include instant soups, emphasizing affordability and taste to appeal to a broad customer base. Together, these companies contribute to the growing popularity of instant soups in India, offering a balance of convenience, taste and variety to suit different palates. The Indian instant soup market has seen rapid expansion, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the growing demand for ready-to-eat food products. Industry reports estimate that the market will exceed INR 1,000 crore by 2025, with the top three brands dominating nearly 90% of sales. Knorr (Hindustan Unilever Limited) leads the segment, followed by Ching’s Secret, MTR Foods and Bambino Agro Industries. The increasing popularity of instant soups across urban and rural areas, combined with strong marketing strategies and innovative flavor offerings, has significantly contributed to this market’s growth. Commercial instant soups are crafted for convenience and taste, but their nutritional composition varies across brands. Typically, they provide 50 to 100 kcal per serving, with carbohydrates as the main macronutrient, moderate protein levels and minimal fat. However, many contain high sodium levels, along with additives and preservatives to enhance flavor and extend shelf life. While these soups serve as a quick and easy meal option, consumers are encouraged to read nutritional labels carefully, choosing products with lower sodium and fewer artificial additives for a healthier alternative.
Typically, corn starch or rice starch is used as a thickening agent in soups, while the edible portions of fresh vegetables are included as dried vegetable pieces. However, nowadays, vegetable-based starches, such as water chestnut powder, can replace traditional cereal starches. Additionally, vegetable waste can be incorporated into processed products, enhancing both consistency and nutritional value. Water chestnut (
Trapa natans), known as Singhara in India, is an annual aquatic crop belonging to the Trapaceae family. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, growing best in nutrient-rich water with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. This plant prefers warm, humid conditions and is primarily found in states such as Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and parts of Uttarakhand (
Takano and Kadono, 2005). Water chestnut is cultivated on approximately 603,076 acres worldwide, yielding a total production of 2,327,495 tonnes (
Rajput and Singh, 2023). In India, the recorded production of water chestnut is 67,600 tonnes from an area of 16,900 hectares (
Jana, 2023). In the Indian subcontinent, water chestnuts are consumed as edible nuts and serve as a cereal substitute during fasting. They can be eaten as vegetables, ground into flour for making bread or chapatti, cookies and used in sweet dishes
(Singh et al., 2010; Sharma and Devi, 2021). Despite its nutritional benefits, water chestnut products remain under commercialized. Water chestnuts are rich in carotenoids, phenolic acids, phytosterols and polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and stilbenes
(Hussain et al., 2016). Medicinally, it has been used as a nerve tonic and is known for its therapeutic properties, including treatment for diarrhea, as an intestinal astringent and for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects
(Ambikar et al., 2010; Kirtikar and Basu, 1993;
Kar et al., 2004; Song et al., 2007).
Cauliflower (
Brassica oleraceae), a cool-season crop originating from Asia, is primarily produced in China and India, with West Bengal being the largest producer in India, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Odisha (
APEDA, 2018). In India, the annual production of cauliflower was recorded at 9,225 thousand metric tons, cultivated over an area of 473 thousand hectares (
HSD, 2021). The edible part of cauliflower, known as the curd, is creamy white and compact, surrounded by large, inedible leaves. Approximately 45 to 60% of the vegetable’s weight consists of this non-edible portion, which has the highest waste index among vegetables
(Oberoi et al., 2007). Although often discarded, the stalk and leaves are rich in protein, iron, calcium and β-carotene, making them valuable for producing various value-added products (
Sharma and Prasad, 2018). Cauliflower leaves are particularly high in health-promoting compounds, including vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols and glucosinolates
Campbell et al., (2012). Research has shown that the leaves contain significant amounts of lysine and tryptophan, though they are deficient in cystine and methionine
Goel et al., (2014). Additionally, dried cauliflower leaves provide essential fatty acids and are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (
Sharmilan and Jaganathan, 2016).
Radish (
Raphanus sativus), a widely cultivated and quick-growing cool-season crop from the Brassicaceae family, is either annual or biennial and originated in China (
Wang and Hee, 2005). It flourishes in both tropical and temperate climates, with its main edible part being the swollen primary root. In India, its annual production is 3,263 thousand metric tonnes, cultivated over an area of 207 thousand hectares (
HSD, 2021). Freshly harvested radishes have a shelf life of 2 to 3 days at room temperature. They are recommended for individuals with health issues like piles, liver troubles and jaundice and can be consumed raw in salads, cooked as vegetables, or as juice for health benefits. Radish leaves are a good source of protein, containing all 22 amino acids and have a biological value of 76.6 with a digestibility coefficient of 73.5%. Due to their low-calorie content, radish leaves are suitable for diabetic patients. Additionally, the juice from fresh leaves acts as a diuretic and laxative (
Ankita and Prasad, 2015). Radish leaves are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid and vitamin C and radish leaf powder shows high antioxidant activity (87.04%) when dried at 40°C for 14 hours
(Joshi et al., 2019). However, the leaves are often excluded from diets due to their short shelf life and preparation inconvenience. Every year, 18% of India’s fruit and vegetable production, valued at Rs. 13,300 crores, goes to waste. Due to inadequate cold storage facilities, around 30% of fruits and vegetables are lost at various stages of the supply chain, from harvesting and post-harvest handling to processing and consumption
(Sharma et al., 2024). Given the importance of developing convenient foods, there is a strong need to create instant soups that utilize the nutritional benefits of water chestnuts, cauliflower waste (including leaves and stalks) and radish leaves.
The selection of specific kitchen waste, such as radish leaves and cauliflower, is often based on factors like nutritional value, flavor balance, texture and usability in various applications. Radish leaves are rich in essential components, including iron, calcium and beta-carotene (Table 2), making them a valuable addition to food preparations, composting and animal feed. Cauliflower leaves, on the other hand, are packed with fibre, minerals and beta-carotene (Table 2), contributing to both health benefits and sustainability efforts. These vegetable scraps are chosen because they blend well in soups, stews and other -culinary applications without introducing undesirable flavors or textures. Thus, selecting radish and cauliflower waste ensures a balance between nutritional benefits, ease of use and environmental sustainability.