Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our authentic Karaikudi Chettinadu snacks.
Can't find your answer here? Call or WhatsApp us at +91 72007 97263 or email karaibytes@gmail.com. We typically respond within a few hours.
1What is the shelf life of your snacks and sweets?
Our savory snacks (Murukku, Seedai, Mixture, Ribbon Pakoda, Kaarasevu) stay fresh and crispy for 20–25 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Our sweets (Athirasam, Mavu Urundai, Manakolam) are best consumed within 10–15 days. We never add artificial preservatives — freshness comes from our clean preparation and quality ingredients alone.
2Are your snacks really 100% Palm Oil-Free?
Yes, absolutely. We use only pure creamery butter for frying — the same traditional fat used in Chettinad homes for generations. Palm oil is never used in any of our products. This is not just a marketing claim; it is a core part of our cooking philosophy and visible in the clean taste of every bite.
3Do you ship internationally to NRIs (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE)?
Currently, we ship across all major cities and states within India. International shipping for NRIs is something we are actively working on. Please contact us via WhatsApp (+91 72007 97263) or email (karaibytes@gmail.com) to discuss international delivery options for your next order.
4Do you accept bulk or corporate orders for functions and events?
Yes! We regularly supply bulk orders for weddings, functions, corporate Diwali gifting, and office celebrations. Minimum order quantities and pricing tiers are available on our Bulk Gifting page. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 72007 97263 to discuss your specific requirement — we can customize pack sizes and combinations.
5What is the spice level of your savory snacks?
Our snacks are moderately spiced in the authentic Chettinad style — flavorful and aromatic rather than aggressively hot. Kaarasevu is our spiciest item (native red chilli + cumin). Seedai, Seepu Seedai, Ribbon Pakoda, and Murukku are mild to medium. Sweets like Athirasam and Mavu Urundai are not spiced at all. We are happy to note spice preferences for bulk/custom orders.
6Are your products suitable for people with specific allergies?
All our savory snacks contain rice flour, gram flour (besan), and butter — they are not suitable for anyone with gluten sensitivity (gram flour contains traces of gluten) or dairy allergy. Our sweets use jaggery and ghee. None of our products contain egg, artificial colors, or MSG. Full ingredient lists are available on every product page.
7Can I customize packaging for gifting?
Yes, for bulk and corporate orders we offer custom combination packs. We can mix different snacks and sweets into a single gift box based on your preferences. Please contact us directly for gifting customization options, lead time, and minimum quantities.
8How is Karai Bites different from store-bought snacks?
Store-bought snacks are typically manufactured in industrial facilities with extended shelf-life preservatives, reused oil, and machine-extruded shapes. Our snacks are hand-rolled, hand-molded, and fried in fresh creamery butter every single batch. The rice flour is freshly milled, the coconut milk is freshly squeezed, and the jaggery for our sweets is unadulterated organic cane. You can taste the difference immediately.
9What is Chettinad cuisine and why are its snacks special?
Chettinad is a region in Tamil Nadu, India, centered around Karaikudi — renowned for some of the most complex and aromatic cooking traditions in all of South Asia. Chettinad snacks like Murukku, Seedai, and Athirasam are festival staples made with wet-ground rice flour, native spices, and pure fats — techniques unchanged for generations. Learn more on our Chettinad Cuisine page.
10Do you cater for weddings and Tamil festival celebrations?
Absolutely. Karai Bites is a popular choice for Tamil wedding return gifts, Diwali/Deepavali hampers, Pongal boxes, Navarathri gift packs, and other festive occasions. We recommend placing festival orders at least 7–10 days in advance to ensure freshness and timely delivery. Contact us early for large quantities.