Remember when you leave a restaurant, mostly Indian but nowadays other cuisines as well, you have these little containers of sugared up fennel seeds right at the exit? Or for some eateries, you get the white bits along with the bill. That's what we're going to be taking about here. Mouth fresheners! Not a major part of any meal but many of us love munching on the post-meal mukhwas, right? I for one recall popping little khattas or sugared balls of tamarind into my mouth along with fennel seeds while watching movies not just because they're sweet but also because of how cooling they are. Many of you might love the paan and have a whole platter of these quirky mouth fresheners at home. Well, here's a list to acquaint you with the joyful collection of the same with the finest mouth fresheners we have on LBB. Beyond just saunf and supari, we're talking dried cranberries, amla and green tea strips. Read on to know more!
Best Mouth Fresheners To Pop After That Onion Heavy Meal!
Gulkand Pops
If you are one of those who like to eat paan (especially the maghai versions) just for the sweet and slightly addictive gulkand, give us a virtual high five. The rose petal jam certainly makes for a great snack by itself and I for one always tell the paan vendors to add more everytime I have one. Now, when Tummy Pops has this entire packet of Gulkand pops, do you really need to constantly head out for paan? We think not. This mouth freshener isn't just all gulkand but rather this comes with a whole of spices to add that tang in your mouth as soon as you pop one in! This is the real rose gold.
Amla Mouth Freshener
Made from 100% natural amla, this unsalted amla mouth freshener from Last Forest is what you need to mull things down in your gut and mouth after a heavy meal. Not only is amla rich in vitamin C, it aids quick digestion and is tart so you won't feel like falling asleep right after the meal. Not unless you intend on directly crashing. Slightly bitter and sour, we're certain no sour punk would even come close to this.
Banarasi Meetha Paan Mix
Too lazy to step out for paan? Or maybe you want the whole package and not just the sweetened rose gold. Well, for both, we have this Banarasi Meetha Paan Mix from Mr. Merchant that comes with betel leaves, dry dates (khajur supari), cardamom for a fresh hit, the OG gulkand to add the sweet and fennel seeds for some more freshness and bite. A whole post-meal after-party by itself, we suggest you take a small spoonful and let the mix weave its magic. Because this is also a digestive, you won't really be harming your body.
Saunf (Fennel Seeds)
Just as the title says it, saunf or fennel seeds from Salz & Aroma aren't just great for foods to add a cooling element to dishes but are also great snacks to munch on. They're healthy as it goes without saying and you will not mind munching on the slightly, very slightly bitter fennel seeds whilst binging a show or watching a movie. We need not reiterate that these are great post-meal mouth fresheners too. Here's a pro-tip if you're dealing with an upset stomach. Drink normal or cold water right after or as you munch on these. You will feel this comforting icy chill that will calm things down in your gut.
Mouth Dissolving Strips
We at LBB love to innovate in terms of ideas and if it includes re-defining existing structures, so be it. Who says mouth fresheners can't be healthy or that they can't be anything but nuts, seeds and dried fruits? Get yourself these mouth dissolving strips from Bonayu that come with a green tea flavour and watch as these ultra thin strips cover your mouth with a refreshing tea aftertaste. These claim to strengthen immune system, burn fat and are great alternatives to the sugary seeds alternatives.
Berry Mix
This one's for the kids, not just the little ones but also for the kid within you. Ideally suited for long journeys and a great alternative to chewing gums, this Berry Cherry Mix from Go Nuts is having us go nuts. For those of you who want respite from the spicy and tangy mukhwas, go for this mix that is natural and most importantly indulgent. Dehydrated blueberries and cranberries present here will not just add a fruity burst but also change your mouthfeel when you need it most. Chew or binge, choice is yours.