Puffed snacks are bite-sized, light and crispy food products such as cheese balls, pola, puff, kurkure and kurmure. They are primarily made from corn grits, rice or wheat flour. The raw materials are fed into a machine where heat, pressure and mechanical shear cook and expand the material and force it through a die to create unique shapes. Majority of puffed snacks are made using the same process, but, the end shape is different owing to the use of different die at the end. Plain end products are seasoned with various spices to impart uinque flavors.
In Nepal, a steadfast demand for packaged snacks has been omnipresent. Despite the abundance of raw materials and unique local seasonings, majority of puffed and extruded snacks sold in local shops such as cheese balls, kurkure, dhungri and fryums are mostly imported. Thus, there lies a clear opportunity for local manufacturers to capture the market with affordable, locally made puffed snacks seasoned with unique blend of spices we know and love.
The puffed snacks manufacturing business is easy to establish, especially for new entrepreneurs. It can be started in a relatively small space with a single small-scale machine, limited labor and skills. An established manufacturer can set up a complete extrusion, roasting, flavouring, and packing line for continuous commercial production. This makes puffed snack manufacturing an accessible entry point into Nepal's growing food processing and "Made in Nepal" snack industry.
This article discusses the puffed snack (kurkure and puff) manufacturing process, the machines available in Nepal with their specifications and prices, and a comparison of the different machine types to help buyers choose the right setup for their scale of production.
Section Links
- Puffed Snack (Kurkure & Puff) Manufacturing Process
- Puff & Kurkure Making Machines in Nepal
- Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Puffed Snack (Kurkure & Puff) Manufacturing Process
Whether producing plain puff rings, cheese balls, star/noodle snacks, or kurkure-type pola, the overall production line follows a similar sequence of steps, though the exact machines used can vary with product type and scale.
- Raw Materials: Corn grits, rice or pulses can either directly be fed into the machine or powdered, mixed with water and other ingredients in a batch mixer to form a uniform, workable dough before feeding into the extruder.
- Extrusion & Shaping (Puffing): The mixed material is fed into the puff or kurkure extruder, where heat, pressure, and screw pressure cook and expand it. The dough is pushed through a die of the desired shape to form the raw puffed snack.
- Cutting: For rod or tube-shaped products such as kurkure-style pola, a pola cutter trims the extruded strand into pieces of the required length.
- Roasting / Drying: The freshly extruded, moist puffs are passed through a roaster to remove excess moisture and develop a crisp texture and light golden colour.
- Masala Coating & Flavouring: The roasted puffs are tumbled in a masala coating pan or flavouring drum, where oil and masala/seasoning powder are applied evenly to give the snack its final taste.
- Packing: The flavoured snacks are packed for sale. Packaging machine options and pricing for puffed snacks are covered in our separate blog on Packaging Machines in Nepal.
Puff & Kurkure Making Machines Available in Nepal
Machine Links
- Batch Mixer Machine
- Mini Puff Making Machine
- Puff Extruder Machine (Industrial)
- Kurkure Plant Machine
- 2-in-1 Kurkure Plus Puff Machine
- Pola Cutter Machine
- Roaster Machine
- Masala Coating Pan
- Masala Flavouring Drum
Batch Mixer Machine
The Batch Mixer Machine is a U-type mixer used to prepare the base dough for puff and kurkure extrusion. It mixes corn grits, rice flour, or other raw material with water into a uniform batch before feeding into the extruder, helping ensure consistent texture and puffing quality downstream.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | U-Type Mixer, SS Body |
| Motor Power | 2 HP, 380V |
| Capacity | 50 kg per batch |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 1,20,000 |
View Batch Mixer Machine Details
Mini Puff Making Machine
The Mini Puff Making Machine (PDM20 / PE20 models) is a compact extruder suitable for entrepreneurs starting a small-scale puff snack business. It is available with or without a motor and stand and optionally, 6 interchangeable die moulds for producing different puff shapes such as rings, cheese balls, and stars.
| Model | Motor | Price (Nepal) |
|---|---|---|
| PDM20 (without motor and stand) | Not Included | NPR 55,000 |
| PDM20 (with stand, without motor) | Not Included | NPR 70,000 |
| PE20 (Oswal Motor) | 5 HP, Single Phase 220V | NPR 1,15,000 |
| PE20 (Oswal / Chinese Motor) | 5 HP, Three Phase 380V | NPR 1,10,000 |
| PE20 (Crompton Motor) | 5 HP, Single Phase 220V | NPR 1,35,000 |
| PE20 (Crompton Motor) | 5 HP, Three Phase 380V | NPR 1,20,000 |
View Mini Puff Machine Details
The PDM20 models are supplied without a motor for buyers who want to fit their own motor, while the PE20 models come pre-fitted with a 5 HP single or three phase motor, ready to run.
Puff Extruder Machine (Industrial)
The Industrial Puff Extruder Machine is designed for continuous, higher-volume production of puffed snacks. It comes with 4 dies capable of producing puff rings, cheese balls, star/noodle snacks, and pola, making it a versatile option for manufacturers who want to offer several puff shapes from one machine.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Motor | 25 HP (ABB) |
| Production Output | 80–100 kg/hr |
| Material Feeding Motor | 1 HP, Three Phase |
| Cutter Motor | 1 HP, Three Phase |
| Body | MS with Paint |
| Dies Included | 4 dies – puff ring, cheese ball, star/noodle, pola |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 4,70,000 |
View Puff Extruder Machine Details
Kurkure Plant
The Kurkure Plant is a dedicated extruder for producing kurkure-style pola snacks at commercial volume. It is built with a stronger motor for continuous high-output production and is supplied with 1 die for the kurkure/pola shape.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Motor | 20 HP |
| Production Output | 100 kg/hr |
| Material Feeding Motor | 5 HP, Three Phase |
| Body | MS with Paint |
| Dies Included | 1 die (kurkure/pola) |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 5,20,000 |
View Kurkure Plant Machine Details
Pola Cutter Machine
The Pola Cutter Machine trims extruded kurkure/pola strands into pieces of the required length. It is used as a supporting machine after extrusion, with an adjustable cutting length to suit different product specifications.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body | Full MS, with Brackets and Panel |
| Load | 1.5 HP (0.5 HP x 3), 380V |
| Capacity | 90–120 kg/hr |
| Cutting Length | 4 to 12 inch (adjustable) |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 2,30,000 |
View Pola Cutter Machine Details
Roaster Machine
The Roaster Machine removes excess moisture from freshly extruded puffs and gives them a crisp texture. It has a full stainless steel body with a hopper, vibrator feed, and an adjustable speed controller for consistent roasting across batches.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Output | 150 kg/hr |
| Power | 12 kW, Three Phase, 5 Heaters |
| Body | Full SS Body, 12 ft Length |
| Features | Hopper, Vibrator, Electric Panel with Adjustable Speed Controller |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 3,00,000 |
Masala Coating Pan
The Masala Coating Pan tumbles roasted puffs with oil and masala/seasoning powder to apply flavour evenly. This oval-shaped rotating pan is a simple and effective option for batch-wise masala coating.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20–35 kg per batch |
| Size | 48 inch, SS Oval Base, MS with Paint |
| Motor Power | 2 HP, 380V |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 1,50,000 |
Masala Flavouring Drum
The Masala Flavouring Drum is a higher-capacity alternative to the coating pan, suitable for manufacturers who need continuous or larger-batch flavouring. It uses a separate masala tank and drum motor for automated, even coating.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Drum Motor | 1 HP |
| Masala Tank Motor | 1/2 HP |
| Size | 11 x 3 x 5 feet |
| Capacity | 100 kg/hr |
| Price (Nepal) | NPR 3,20,000 |
Comparison Table
| Machine | Best For | Capacity / Output | Power | Price (NPR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Mixer Machine | Dough mixing for extrusion | 50 kg/batch | 2 HP | 1,20,000 |
| Mini Puff Making Machine | Small-scale puff production | 6 die shapes | 5 HP (PE20) / Motor not included (PDM20) | 55,000–1,35,000 |
| Puff Extruder Machine (Industrial) | Medium to large-scale multi-shape puff production | 80–100 kg/hr | 25 HP | 4,70,000 |
| Kurkure Plant | Dedicated kurkure/pola production | 100 kg/hr | 20 HP | 5,20,000 |
| Pola Cutter Machine | Cutting extruded kurkure/pola strands | 90–120 kg/hr | 1.5 HP | 2,30,000 |
| Roaster Machine | Drying & crisping puffed snacks | 150 kg/hr | 12 kW | 3,00,000 |
| Masala Coating Pan | Batch-wise masala flavouring | 20–35 kg/batch | 2 HP | 1,50,000 |
| Masala Flavouring Drum | Higher-capacity continuous flavouring | 100 kg/hr | 1 HP | 3,20,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which puff making machine is best for starting a small-scale snack business in Nepal?
For small-scale or first-time entrepreneurs, the Mini Puff Making Machine (PDM20/PE20 models) is a good starting option. It is compact, lower in cost compared to industrial extruders, and comes with 6 die moulds to produce different puff shapes, making it suitable for testing the market before scaling up.
2. What is the difference between a puff extruder and a kurkure machine?
The Puff Extruder Machine comes with 4 dies and can produce multiple shapes such as rings, cheese balls, and star/noodle snacks, while the Kurkure Plant Machine is a dedicated extruder built for kurkure/pola-style snacks with 1 die. For manufacturers who want both product lines from a single unit, the 2-in-1 Kurkure Plus Puff Machine combines both functions.
3. How much does a puffed snacks making machine cost in Nepal?
Prices for puff and kurkure making machines in Nepal generally range from around NPR 55,000 to NPR 8,80,000, depending on machine type, capacity, and motor size. The Mini Puff Making Machine is the most affordable entry point, while the Puff Extruder, Kurkure Plant, and 2-in-1 Kurkure Plus Puff Machine are suited for medium to large-scale commercial production.
4. What is the complete process of making puffed snacks or kurkure?
The typical puffed snack production process involves mixing, extrusion/puffing, cutting (for pola-shaped products), roasting, masala coating, and packing. See the full Puffed Snack Manufacturing Process section above for details on each step.
5. Do I need a separate masala coating machine for kurkure or puff production?
Yes, a dedicated flavouring step is generally needed after roasting to apply oil and masala powder evenly. Depending on batch size and production speed, either a Masala Coating Pan or a higher-capacity Masala Flavouring Drum can be used.
6. What machine is used to package puffed snacks after production?
Packaging is a separate stage from puffing, roasting, and masala coating. For details on band sealers, auto flow wrapping, and other packaging machine options and pricing, see our dedicated blog on Packaging Machines in Nepal.