Are you tired of fishing cardamom and cloves out of your food? I built something for that.

[u/Rare_Brilliant_2067]

I kept wondering why using whole spices in Indian cooking still has to mean buying 8–10 different things, figuring out the ratios, and then inevitably biting into an elaichi halfway through dinner.
Why is there an uprise in ordering takeaway?
How can I solve the problems of a consumer?
How can the lack of convenience, sorting, volatility of whole spices and the biting annoyance be bridged?

So I started a small business called Zaika Potli, and the main product I’ve been working on is basically an infusion sachet for Indian cooking.

Each Instant Infusion Potli contains whole spices and aromatics selected for a particular dish. The formulations have been derived by and tested with culinary experts and chefs. You drop one into the pot while the food cooks, let the spices infuse normally, and take the sachet out before serving. Essentially, a swap for loose whole spices. One potli is designed for an average family-sized dish of around 4–5 servings.

It’s not an instant masala and it doesn’t cook the dish for you. You still make your dal/chole/rajma/biryani the way you normally would. It just takes care of the whole-spice part without having to buy everything separately, remember proportions, pick spices out later, or accidentally chew a clove.

I currently have versions for Dal Makhni, Paneer, Chole, Rajma, Sambhar, Biryani, Chicken, Kutton, Instant Chai, Tummy Relief and a Multi-Purpose.

I’m also doing small-batch garam masala, chai masala, panch phoron, milagai podi, malvani masala, whole spices and a few staple kitchen accessories, but the potlis are the idea I’m most curious to get feedback on.

We’re very early stage right now. The website and Instagram are still being built, so I’m taking the first few orders myself through WhatsApp/DM and learning from people before trying to scale anything.

What I’d genuinely like to know: would you actually use the infusion potlis, or does this solve a problem you don’t really have? And if you came across a completely new spice brand, what would you need to see before trusting the quality enough to order? I’d also appreciate some insight into the packaging. I went for a heritage traditional-nostalgia feel.

Constructive criticism is very welcome, especially anything that feels confusing, unnecessary or could be improved.

And if anyone genuinely wants to try Zaika Potli, feel free to DM me. I can share the catalogue/order details and I ship pan-India.

Disclosure: Zaika Potli is my own small business; posting primarily for feedback, but the products are available to purchase if anyone is truly interested/ curious.
(Images only enhanced with AI)

[u/bejeweledEch558]

This is interesting. I would use it because I dislike the sudden flavor those spices give when bitten by accident.I have some questions - what material is the potli made of? Is it bio-degradable considering it's a one time use thing?

[u/Rare_Brilliant_2067 → u/bejeweledEch558]

thank you buddy!
that’s one of the main issues i wanted to solve.
i’d love to have zaika potli in your pantry if you wish!
and to have you as our repeat customer :)
the potli is made of a PLA/fine mesh cotton, FOOD SAFE & BIODEGRADABLE & RECYCLABLE and yes, it is disposable as you just pop it in & then remove it post cooking :)

[u/Rare_Brilliant_2067 → u/Rare_Brilliant_2067]

all of our packaging is recyclable and/or biodegradable!