What it is: KantiGlow Selection Hing Goli are small chewable tablets in a 100 g pack, built around asafoetida (hing, Ferula asafoetida). They follow the traditional Indian after-meal digestive recipe, in which hing is blended with salts, tangy fruit powders and warming spices.
What’s in Hing Goli
Hing goli is a traditional recipe rather than a single standard formula. Each maker blends it slightly differently. A typical hing goli contains:
- Asafoetida (hing): the dried resin from the root of Ferula asafoetida, which gives the tablet its strong, savoury aroma. Asafoetida is usually used in compounded form, mixed with a flour.
- Salts: common salt and kala namak (Indian black salt), which give the tablet its savoury, slightly sulphurous taste.
- Tangy ingredients: amchur (dried mango powder), amla, or lemon salt (nimbu sat, i.e. citric acid).
- Digestive spices: commonly black pepper, cumin, ajwain (carom), dry ginger (saunth) and long pepper (pippali).
- Sugar: used as the base in some recipes. Others are made without sugar.
The full ingredients list for this product is printed on the pack. Check it if you need to know about sugar, salt or allergens.
How it’s traditionally used
Hing (Sanskrit hingu) has been used in Indian kitchens and Ayurveda for many centuries. In Ayurveda it is regarded as pungent and heating. It is traditionally used to balance Vata and Kapha, and is described as deepana (kindling the digestive fire) and pachana (aiding digestion). Hingu is the lead ingredient in the classical formula Hingvashtak churna, which pairs it with dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, ajwain, cumin, black cumin and rock salt.
In everyday Indian life, hing goli are sold alongside churan and other digestive sweets. People chew a couple after a heavy, spiced or lentil-rich meal, much as some people in the UK reach for a mint after dinner.
How to take it
Follow the directions on the pack. Hing goli are traditionally chewed or slowly dissolved in the mouth, one or two at a time, after meals. Tablets vary in size between batches and brands, so the number of servings in 100 g depends on the tablet weight given on the pack. Reseal the pack after opening.
Who it suits — and who should check first
Hing goli suit adults who enjoy strong, savoury-tangy flavours and want a traditional after-meal habit. The usual ingredients are plant-based, but check the pack to confirm.
- Gluten: compounded asafoetida is often mixed with wheat flour. If you have coeliac disease or avoid gluten, check the label carefully.
- Salt and sugar: these tablets contain added salt and often sugar. Bear this in mind if you are watching your intake.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: asafoetida is fine in normal cooking amounts. Speak to a healthcare professional before taking hing goli regularly.
- They are not suitable for young children.
How it compares
Hingvashtak churna is the classical powdered version, usually mixed with ghee into the first mouthfuls of rice. It is closer to the Ayurvedic texts but less convenient. Ajwain-based digestive tablets and anardana (pomegranate) goli are similar after-meal tablets with a different flavour. Hing goli are the most savoury and pungent of the three.
Common questions
What do hing goli taste like?
Salty, tangy and pungent, with a garlicky-onion aroma from the hing. It is an acquired taste for some people.
Why does hing smell so strong?
Asafoetida resin is rich in sulphur compounds. That is why a small amount goes a long way in cooking.
Are hing goli gluten-free?
Not necessarily. Compounded hing is often made with wheat flour, so always check the ingredients list.
How many should I have?
Follow the pack. Traditionally, people have one or two after a meal rather than eating them throughout the day.
Read more: 4-week Ayurvedic digestion routine · Browse Digestion & Gut Health
Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Keep out of reach of young children. Store in a cool, dry place. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, consult a healthcare professional before use.
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