She has set out to change how everyday foods like pancake mix and spreads are made by creating healthier versions without making drastic changes to families’ diets.
Gladful was born after Parul experienced a life-changing moment when she found out that one of her kids was not getting enough nutrients, even though she thought her family was eating a healthy diet. This highlighted a much larger problem — even though India has a prevalent protein deficiency, most protein products are marketed to bodybuilders, and the majority of foods kids eat contain preservatives and palm oil. Gladful directly addresses this issue.
Taste as a Non-Negotiable
Gladful’s products are built around three standards — genuinely clean ingredients, easy preparation for busy households, and taste that keeps kids coming back.
Familiar Foods, Not New Habits
Gladful does not position itself as a “health” brand but creates reformulated versions of the same type of food families eat every day, starting with breakfast items (pancake mix, spreads, and milk mixes). The company is now expanding into other categories, including a product designed to reshape the traditional Indian thali.
Disciplined Growth Before Scale
Gladful’s roughly Rs 2 crore pre-seed round from Antler and Huddle VC went almost entirely into product development, sourcing, and supply chain work rather than marketing. The company held off raising further capital until it had found product-market fit and repeat purchase, later drawing continued backing from Sadev Ventures, Antler, and Eraya Capital.
The Bigger Goal
Sharma’s long-term vision is for Gladful to become a brand Indian families trust by default — not through heavy advertising, but because the nutrition genuinely works for both parents and children.
