Nutritional Benefits of Millet Based Snacks
Millets are a group of highly nutritious cereal crops that have been a staple food in many parts of Africa and Asia for thousands of years. Compared to other major cereals like rice, wheat and corn, millets are more nutritious and climate-resilient. Millets are a good source of various vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. They are gluten-free and contain high amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron and B-vitamins. Millets are shown to aid in digestion, heart health, blood sugar management and weight control. Some common types of millets used in snacks include finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet and barnyard millet.
Popular Traditional Millet Based Snacks
Many communities in India have traditionally consumed millets in the form of Millet Based Snacks for centuries. These nutritious and fulfilling snacks provide an appealing alternative to oily or high-calorie junk foods. Here are some popular traditional millet based snack s:
– Murmura/bhakri: Made from popped or puffed finger millet, this crunchy snack is a staple in Maharashtra. It can be eaten as is or with sauces/chutneys.
– Ragi mudde: Finger millet flour dough pieces steamed and served with sambar is a popular Karnataka snack.
– Ragi rotti: Thin pancakes made from ragi flour, these Tamil Nadu snacks are often eaten with ghee or coconut chutney.
– Jowar/bajra roti: Thick flatbread made from sorghum or pearl millets is eaten across India with curries and pickles.
– Thinai payasam: Sweet pudding made from pearl millet, jaggery and coconut is relished during festivals in Tamil Nadu.
– Bajra/jowar bhakri: Crispy flatbreads made from sorghum and pearl millets in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
– Ragi balls: Baked balls made from ragi flour dough are light, healthy snack items.
Modern Millet Based Snacks and Their Health Benefits
With growing health and environment consciousness, millets are gaining popularity as an ingredient in modern Indian snacks as well. Here are some contemporary millet based snack s:
– Ragi cookies: Sweet or savory biscuits made with ragi flour instead of refined flour provide fiber, minerals and antioxidants. The cookies are delicious and easy to consume on-the-go.
– Multigrain granola bars: Granola bars prepared using a mixture of oats, millets, nuts and seeds together supply sustained energy and nutrients. They make for a quick breakfast or afternoon snack.
– Ragi muffins/cupcakes: Muffins or cupcakes prepared with ragi flour instead of all-purpose flour are low in calories and glycemic index. Adding fruits and vegetables enhance their nutrition value further.
– Millet cereal: A crunchy millet breakfast cereal made by puffing or flaking different types of millets, then mixing with nuts/seeds/dry fruits serves as a healthy way to start the day.
– Finger millet popcorn: Roasted and puffed finger millet popcorn makes for a tasty low-calorie movie time snack. It contains more iron and fiber than regular popcorn.
– Multigrain chips: Thin baked chips made from a blend of millets, rice and lentils seasoned with herbs can be savored with dips and make for an excellent substitute for oily potato chips.
With a variety of snacking options incorporating millets, people can get their daily dose of nutrients in a fulfilling and appetizing way. Millets help to attain satiety while providing nutrients required for overall health and well-being. Their glycemic index controlling properties also enable healthy snacking without worrying about blood sugar spikes.
Rising Popularity of Millets
With health trends like millet and whole grain consumption growing stronger by the day, the popularity and availability of millet based snack s is increasing across modern retail outlets in India. Eateries are featuring more millet recipes in their menus to cater to health-conscious consumers. Several startups are also driving innovation by launching new millet snack products that appeal to youngsters. Celebrity endorsements further help create awareness about the benefits of traditional millets. With improved cultivation techniques as well, millet production is expanding to fulfill the rising demands. Overall, millets are being rediscovered in the form of nutritious and tasty snacking options to complement active lifestyles. Their ability to impart lasting energy in small quantities also makes millet snacks the preferred choice.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has an expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile