Spice Meets Nice: Talkback Snacks’ Cookies Celebrate the Zest of Indian Cuisine

Seattle-based startup Talkback Snacks is creating a buzz with its innovative spicy shortbread cookies inspired by India's Khara biscuits. Talkback Snacks, founded by Mathew Thalakotur, offers two spicy flavors: Chocolate & Ancho Chile and Cumin & Green Chili, which blend the classic shortbread with a slow, creeping heat replicating Indian spice-roasting traditions.

 

Thalakotur's own process "blooms" the spices in butter before baking, creating a layered flavor experience in which the sweetness initially gives way to a warm chili heat. The process is a nod to the way his mother cooked and also introduces consumers to Indian culinary culture through a familiar cookie vehicle.

 

Developed as a portal to global tastes, the cookies aim to reduce the barriers of entry to sample new foods, appealing to adventurous snackers seeking the popular "swicy" (sweet + spicy) experience. Talkback Snacks follows with savory products next, continuing its trajectory of bold, culturally inspired snacking.

 

Sources: Food Business News, Talkback Snacks website