Demand for herbal drinks soars for Iftar this Ramadan

Experts say drinks made from natural ingredients aid in hydration and digestion

As Ramadan begins at the start of the warmer season, the demand for herbal drinks during iftar has surged this year.

A growing trend of preparing beverages, with a variety of ingredients like isabgol husk, lemon, basil seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sesame, has emerged this year.

Many are using mint leaves to add fragrance and flavour, leading to an increased supply of these leaves in Dhaka markets.

Ripe wood apples, a seasonal favourite, are available at slightly higher prices.

Beetroot has also joined the ranks of single-ingredient drinks, with its powder gaining popularity.

In places like Hatirpool and Karwan Bazar, beetroot fruits are priced at Tk 90 per kg.

Due to the dry nature of the ingredients, they are being sold not only in stores but also online in different packages.

The increased demand for such drinks has led to a pushed the prices up for these ingredients at the start of Ramadan.

Isabgol husk, a key ingredient, has seen a spike in price, Tk 250–350 per kg within a week, now selling between Tk 1300–1400.

Moktar Hossain, a trader at Karwan Bazar, told bdnews24.com that the price of isabgol has increased by about Tk 200 to 300 per kg within a week.

"Most of the sales happen at the beginning; a packet (250g) lasts for 15-20 days for many people.”

He added, “Even though the price for each kg has gone up, people still buy smaller packs that last longer.

“Packs priced at Tk 50 or Tk 100 are more popular."

Isabgol husk, along with basil seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and sesame, is being sold in convenient small packs ranging from 50 to 250g.

Seasonal traders are also vending these ingredients in packets priced between Tk 50 and Tk 200.

Customers can buy these ingredients separately, or they can opt for a mixture.

Fatima Khatun, who has been working in a private office in Karwan Bazar for 16 years, often buys a mixed pack of 5-7 types of ingredients on her way home from the office.

“I don't have time to mix these ingredients myself at home. Buying them together saves time and money. A 350g pack costs me Tk 200, which will last me 10 days."

Vendor Aynal Haque said, “I bought Isabgol husk for Tk 1050 earlier, but now it costs around Tk 1400.”

Another seller, Abul Hossain, said: “We offer both open and packaged Isabgol husk, with prices depending on quality. 100g can cost as low as Tk 60, but better quality can be priced at Tk 100."

Due to prolonged fasting during the hot weather, many people experience stomach problems from heavy and fried Iftar items.

As a result, many are turning to herbal drinks, which are considered more stomach-friendly.

Nazma Shaheen, a professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, said: “Herbal drinks made from natural ingredients are beneficial for health.

“They help with constipation and provide hydration during fasting.”

She also advised diabetic patients to consume drinks without sugar.

“Many people use chilled water in their drinks. It is more beneficial if you avoid that."

For some, wood apple juice is a trusted remedy for digestive issues.

Yakub Molla from Manikganj brought ripe wood apples to Karwan Bazar in Dhaka.

"These wood apples are fully ripe. I’m selling them for Tk 50 each," he said.

Traders are selling yellow ripe wood apples for Tk 60 to 80 each, depending on size.