As Diwali approaches, one mithai shines brighter than the rest – the beloved Kaju Katli. A timeless favorite, this cashew-rich delight is an essential part of the festivities. With countless brands across India claiming to make the best version, we decided to put 4 renowned brands – Haldiram’s, Bikanervala, Gopala, and Om Sweets to the test.
After a delightful tasting journey, we’ve found the best kaju katli brand that is sure to sweeten your celebrations.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison of The Best Kaju Katli Brands
Sneak peak at the contenders for the best kaju katli in India:
| Brand | Mishry Rating | Price | Final Amount (after delivery + taxes) |
| Haldiram’s | 4.25 | Rs. 239 (200 gm) | Rs. 299 |
| Bikanervala | 4.25 | Rs. 550 (500 gm) | Rs. 626 |
| Gopala | 3.25 | Rs. 261 (250 gm) | Rs. 303 |
| Om | 3.25 | Rs. 257 (250 gm) | Rs. 287 |
Our Review Factors
What are we looking for? A decadent, rich-tasting Kaju Katli with a smooth texture and balanced sweetness is what we’re looking for
To find the Best Kaju Katli, we set the following parameters –
1. Flavor
Our review checklist encompasses the following elements:
- Sweetness levels: We evaluated the balance of sweetness. Is it overpowering, balanced or mild?
- Flavor of kaju: The richness of the cashews played a central role. We looked for a delightful flavor of kaju that was both fresh and pure.
- Any other flavorings that are added?
2. Texture
- Thickness: ‘Katli’ means thin slices. An ideal kaju katli should have a consistent thickness across each piece, not too limp, but it shouldn’t be chunky either.
- Smoothness: We assessed the texture for smoothness. Do they have a creamy texture? Or does it lean to a coarse, gritty feel?
3. Other Observations
Appearance
- Varq: The silver or gold leaf (varq) that adorns the kaju katli lends a traditional aesthetic touch. We observed how well it was applied—smooth and even, with no cracks or gaps.
- Shape: A traditional kaju katli should have a neat diamond shape with sharp, clean edges.
We also noted the price and packaging details for all the contenders.
Related Read:
Amul Kaju Katli Review – Should You Buy This?
Our Review Process
To determine the best kaju katli, we evaluated the contenders using two methods:
- Taste Test: A standard assessment of flavor, texture, and overall quality.
- Blindfolded Taste Test: Here the panel members focused solely on the taste without any brand influence.
Best Kaju Katli in India – Detailed Review
This segment covers details about the 4 brands we tested, their pros, cons and individual ratings :
1. Haldiram’s – Mishry Top Pick (Best Cashew Flavor)
Our Verdict
Appearance-wise, Haldiram’s Kaju Katli has a traditional rhombus shape and is on the thicker side.
The kaju katli has a delightful cashew flavor, with the natural richness of the kaju shining through in every bite. The sweetness is perfectly balanced, neither extremely high nor too subtle.
The flavor was excellent, but the texture was a bit coarse. However, it’s still pleasant to chew and holds up well without being too dense or crumbly.
Product Details
The price of 200 gm Haldiram’s Kaju Katli is Rs. 239. However, after adding the delivery charges and the taxes the final cost amounts to Rs. 299.
- Best tasting among all
- Balanced sweetness
- Most enhanced cashew flavor
Self consumption, Diwali gifting and religious rituals.
2. Bikanervala – Mishry Top Pick (Creamiest Texture)
Our Verdict
Visually, Bikanervala’s Kaju Katli is cut into the thinnest rhombus pieces and has the creamiest texture. These were, hands down, the softest and creamiest of them all.
This kaju katli has a pronounced cashew flavor, which is rich. The sweetness level is slightly high here.
Product Details
A 500 gm pack of Bikanervala Kaju Katli is available at a cost of Rs. 550. The final amount after adding the delivery charges and taxes comes to Rs. 626.
- Soft and creamy texture
- Best mouthfeel
- Thin and shapely katlis
Looking for a thin, soft and creamy kaju katli? Look no further.
3. Gopala
Our Verdict
In terms of appearance, Gopala’s kaju katli features a square shape compared to rhombus shape.
This kaju katli offers a decent, noticeable cashew flavor but is not as pronounced as our top pick. The sweetness level is on the higher side.
The texture of this kaju katli is slightly dry, which detracts from its overall appeal. While it remains soft enough to chew, the dryness can make it feel less indulgent compared to creamier options.
Product Details
Gopala’s 250 gm pack of Kaju Katli is priced at Rs. 261. Once the delivery charges and taxes are added, the total cost becomes Rs. 303.
4. Om Sweets
Our Verdict
The kaju katli features a classic rhombus shape, which is traditional and visually appealing.
Among all the kaju katli brands we reviewed, the Kaju Katli by Om Sweets had the weakest cashew flavor. It is extremely high in sweetness. This aspect makes it less appealing for those who appreciate a more balanced flavor profile.
Texture-wise, it is notably soft. It has a pleasant mouthfeel that allows it to melt easily upon biting.
Product Details
Om Sweets 250 gm Kaju Katli is priced at Rs. 257, but with delivery charges and taxes included, the final price comes to Rs. 287.
Our Top Picks & Recommendations
Why did we choose Haldiram’s & Bikanervala Kaju Katli as our Top Pick?
Haldiram’s and Bikanervala Kaju Katli stand out as Mishry’s Top Pick for different reasons. While Haldiram’s delivers one of the best kaju flavors that is difficult to match, Bikanervala has the best texture and mouthfeel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on the best kaju katli brands in India:
As per our analysis, we have chosen Haldiram’s Kaju Katli as our top pick. We also recommend Bikanervala’s Kaju Katli.
Yes, Kaju Katli is typically gluten-free. It is primarily made from cashew nuts (kaju), sugar, and sometimes a bit of ghee or cardamom for flavor, with no wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients in traditional recipes.
Kaju Katli is more expensive than other Indian desserts due to its main ingredient, cashews. Cashews are one of the pricier nuts.
Yes, Kaju Katli can be made without traditional sugar by using natural sweeteners like dates, jaggery, or sugar substitutes such as stevia. However, using these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sweet.
Parting Thoughts
That’s a wrap on the best kaju katli in India.
We chose Haldiram’s Kaju Katli as our Top Pick as it had the tastiest cashew flavor followed by balanced sweetness. Bikarnervala Kaju Katli is also our Top Pick as it boasted the best texture and mouthfeel followed by a delicious cashew flavor.
Which brand from the list above is your favorite?
