How to check if your Diwali mithai is real or fake: 5 simple ways to spot adulterated sweets, identify suspicious ingredients and choose safer festive treats for your family

Your senses are a surprisingly good first filter. Be wary of sweets that look unnaturally bright, especially in yellow and orange, because that can be a sign of synthetic colours. Smell them too, since a strange, sour or soapy smell and a bitter taste are warning signs. For mawa, try the palm test. Pure mawa feels slightly oily and grainy, while mawa that feels sticky, powdery or dry may have been mixed with other things. If something seems off, don’t eat it.