The Unpolished Millets Revolution: 10 Indian Brands Leading the Way

Unpolished millets have been around for a very long time – longer than even rice and wheat. Over the past few centuries, millets have stayed off India’s traditional meals, losing out to the rice and wheat industries.

Today millets are making a strong comeback, thanks to environmentalists, sustainable farming enthusiasts and experts, fitness freaks and nutritionists.

Millets are winning hearts worldwide with its adaptability and ease of farming. In this blog, you will learn about unpolished millets, why they are important, how to stay off polished millets and which are the best brands to consider.

Jump to the Best Unpolished Millets Brands of India

The hero of our story is Niacin! This essential nutrient in millet fuels over 400 enzyme reactions, which helps keep your nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy.

And diabetes warriors, rejoice! Millet’s low-glycemic index keeps blood sugar in check. Its fiber-rich goodness acts as a prebiotic, supporting healthy gut bacteria and even fighting various forms of cancer formation.

That’s not all! Soluble fiber in millet battles the bad cholesterol, promoting a happy and healthy heart.

A word of caution! Millets are not recommended for all. According to ayurveda, our own traditional science of medicine, if you are underweight and/or trying to gain weight, millets is not for you. If you are old aged, if you have joint pains, avoid millets.

Millet is a treasure trove of nutrients, from potassium to Vitamin A and Vitamin B, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.

• Understanding Unpolished Millets
• Health Benefits of Unpolished Millets
• Difference Between Polished, Semi Polished and Unpolished Millets
• How to Identify Unpolished Millets
• Why are Unpolished Millets Expensive
• Cooking Millets
• The Best Unpolished Millets Brands in India

Understanding Unpolished Millets & It’s Importance

Millets are ancient crops grown in dry zones and they require less water for cultivation.

Unpolished millets are millets whose tiny yet nutritious seeds are wrapped in husks, that can be savored as is, just after a quick clean-up.

Polished millets on the other end have their husks removed. Natural millets have with their indigestible seed coat removed through mechanical methods. This process sacrifices the bran layer, dimming its nutritional glow.

This is precisely why unpolished millets are so vital and important over their unpolished counterparts.

It is without doubt why health experts always recommend that you choose unpolished millet.

What Unpolished Millets Are Available In India?

The e-commerce revolution has ensured that unpolished millets are just a click away.

First up, you’ll find the Finger Millet, or Ragi, renowned for its calcium-rich goodness. From lip-smacking porridge to crispy dosas and soft rotis, it’s a wholesome treat!

Next you can get your hands on Pearl Millet, famously known as Bajra, a nutritional powerhouse that rules the heart of Rajasthan. Savor it in the form of delectable rotis, comforting khichdi, or soothing porridge.

You will also find the fiber-rich wonder – unpolished Foxtail Millet or Kangni, which can be cooked into upmas and polaos.

There are several other unpolished millets available in India – Kodo Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet, Sorghum, Browntop Millet and Proso Millet.

Millets are largely classified as either positive or neutral millets. Positive millets include Foxtail millets, Browntop Millets, Little millets, Kodo millets and Barnyard millets. These millets are extremely beneficial for the body and has powerful medicinal properties. Several other millets like Finger Millet(Raagi/Ragi), Pearl Millet(Bajra), Proso Millet(Baragu), Great Millet (White Jowar) and Sorghum (Jowar) are called neutral millets.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Value Of Unpolished Millets

Unpolished millets are primarily known for its range of health benefits like anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects. It contains phytochemicals, magnesium, fiber, and micronutrients.

A few of them are listed below:

Aids in Weight Loss

Millets are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, promoting satiety and reducing snacking between meals.

Studies reveal that a high-fiber diet can help control obesity and lower the risk of chronic diseases due to improved digestion and absorption.

Improve Immunity

Millets boost the immune system with essential minerals like iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, selenium, and zinc, enhancing natural immunity against diseases.

Unpolished Millets Regulate Glucose Levels

Millets have a lower glycemic index than most other grains, making them suitable for people with diabetes or carbohydrate intolerance. Saponin in millets help manage blood glucose levels.

Improve Heart Health

 Millets are rich in soluble fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E, which lower bad cholesterol and prevent heart disease.

Improve Digestion with Unpolished Millets

Millets support a healthy digestive tract by stimulating hydrochloric acid and helpful bacteria production.

Improve Bone Health

Millets contribute to bone health by providing calcium and aiding in the absorption of calcium through vitamin D.

Improve Skin Health

Millets contain vitamin E, amino acids, magnesium, and fatty acids, which benefit skin suppleness and moisture.

Cancer-Fighting Abilities

Millets have potential anti-cancer properties.

Khadar Vali, also called the Millet Man of India, has detailed out how millets can help in cancer prevention and cure.

In addition to these benefits, millets are an excellent source of iron for anemia patients and are environmentally friendly due to rain-fed cultivation and resistance to pests, eliminating the need for pesticides.

Polished, Semi-Polished Millets vs. Unpolished Millets

Millets are primarily recognized as unpolished, semi-polished, or polished. So, what are the differences?

• Presence of bran: In polished millets, the husk is removed along with the bran. In unpolished millets, the bran is intact. In semi-polished millets, part of the bran may be removed.
• Color: Polished millets are white in color, semi-polished millets may have a mixed color, while unpolished have the natural/original color (red, yellow, brown, etc.)
• Texture: Unpolished millets have a rough feel, while their polished counterparts have a smooth surface and feel
• Presence of Dot: Every grain of an unpolished millet has a small dot on the surface. Polished millets do not have any dots on the surface, while some (not all) grains of unpolished millets have dot
• Nutritional & Medicinal Content: Polished millets have most of their nutritional content removed during the polishing process. Unpolished millets have most of the nutritional and medicinal content preserved
• Adulteration: It is easy to adulterate polished millets and sell them at a lower price
• Shelf life: Polished millets have a longer shelf life. Their unpolished counterparts, on the other hand have a much shorter shelf life. Note that shelf life depends on the millet grain

Having trouble spotting the dots?

How To Identify Unpolished Millets?

Spotting unpolished millets is a breeze. You just need to look for some signs such as —

• Color: Unpolished millets display their natural colors, like yellow, grey, brown, or red.
• Texture: Their rough texture, due to the bran and germ layers, is easily felt when touched. Unlike polished millets, they have a matte finish, not a glossy one.
• Presence of Dot: Try snapping a close-up photo on a dark surface with your phone. Zoom in, and the truth will reveal itself. If the millet grains contain dot on the outer layer, it is unpolished.
• Packaging Label: Last but not least, when you are buying unpolished millets online or from a store, you can always verify packaging labels for “unpolished millets” or “whole millets,” though other cues help avoid misleading labels.

Remember, particle sizes can vary slightly in unpolished millets, but that may appear confusing sometimes.

Why Are Unpolished Millets Expensive?

You might find it surprising that while rice and wheat dominate the grain game, millets, especially the whole and unpolished varieties are more expensive.

The reasons are similar to why whole wheat flour and brown rice is more expensive when compared to refined and polished white rice.

• Limited demand and production: Millets weren’t as in-demand as rice and wheat, resulting in scarce supply and higher prices due to smaller economies of scale
• Processing and Labor Costs: Tough husks make millets a bit of a challenge during processing. The more nutritious unpolished millets keep their outer layers, incurring additional costs!
• Nutritional Wonders: These unpolished beauties are packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their nutritional clout adds to the price tag.
• Scarcity Factor: Not grown as widely, millets can be hard to get, which adds to their allure and cost
• Climate Quirks: Millets thrive in specific regions, leading to transportation hurdles if you live far from the millet havens. The benefits are worth the wait.
• Hype and Hope: With the rising buzz around health, sustainable and eco-friendly choices, more and more people are adding millets to their diet, driving up demand and prices soaring until supply catches up.

Cooking Whole Millets

This requires an entire book, however, here’s a brief.

You’ll be surprised to know that you can cook millet in just under 30 minutes!

• Prep by washing/rinsing and soaking the tiny grains to reduce cooking time. You may need to wash it at least 4-5 times and then soak the millets
• Cook it in a pot with the right millet-to-water ratio and let it absorb the liquid to perfection. Millets may need up to 3-5 times water. So if you have taken one cup of millets, it may require between 3 to 5 cups of water, depending on what millets you are cooking
• Want a flavor boost? Try using vegetable/meat broth or coconut milk. Top tip: resist stirring, so your millet stays light and fluffy.
• After ten minutes, fluff it up and savor the tasty results. Store leftovers in portion-sized containers and reheat with a dash of water or broth (there is nothing better than cooking fresh).

Millet is now yours to enjoy in delicious ways!

To be honest, unpolished millet is versatile. Cook it as porridge, pilaf, or in a salad. Make hearty soups, casseroles, or add to stir-fries. Try millet bread or crackers.

Unpolished millets (in whole or flour) can be cooked in a wide variety of ways – just think of what all you can cook with rice or wheat flours!

The 10 Best Unpolished Millets Brands Of India

As you know, unpolished millets may not be readily available in local stores. However, if you go to the online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart, there are a lot of options to choose from.

Here is a list of the most recommended unpolished millets available for online purchase.

1. Manna Millets

Meet Manna Ethnic Millets, one of the biggest suppliers unpolished millets in the online marketplaces.

The company sells all sort of millets – foxtail, little, proso, pearl, kodo, barnyard, etc. The millets come in combo packs of either 500g or 1kg.

For example, you can choose to purchase 5 different millets, each weighing 500 g for your diet needs. The deliveries are pretty quick.

2. HDC Siridhanya – Organic & Unpolished Millets (Recommended)

HDC Siridhanya Millets offers a diverse range of 100% organic and naturally grown millet products, including a convenient combo pack of 3, 5, and 10 millets, each containing packaging of 1 kg or 750g, or 500g, featuring unpolished and organic Little Millet, Foxtail Millet, Browntop Millet, Barnyard Millet, and Kodo Millet – all positive millets.

Solo 1kg packs are also available online.

Comparatively the products are affordable and accessible, making it a cost-effective choice for individuals and families.

Embrace healthy, chemical-free eating with their quality millet flours, grains, and ready-to-eat snacks.

3. TruNaturals – Organic Millets (Recommended)

Taste the one of the finest unpolished millet by TruNaturals, boasting a safe and nutrient-rich rough texture ideal for babies’ early meals.

This brand stands out as India’s top millet choice for high quality.

Choose from convenient combo packs of 5kg or 2.5kg, each containing a variety of unpolished millets – Kodo, Little, Foxtail, Barnyard, and Browntop varieties in 1kg or 500g packaging.

Say “hello” to a completely organic product for your family’s well-being.

4. The Millet Company

The Millet Company’s unpolished millet – a nutritious wheat and rice alternative!

Discover the brand’s diverse millet products in convenient combo packs of 2, 3, and 5, containing unpolished Little Millet, Foxtail Millet, ‎Browntop Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet, and Proso Millet in 1 kg or 500g packs.

The Millet Company also offers solo millet options of 1kg and 500g packaging as well.

They specialize in sustainability with their environmentally friendly and socially responsible production, catering to various dietary preferences.

5. Amazon Vedaka

Amazon’s own brand Vedaka also provides good unpolished millets.

Discover Vedaka Millets – premium 1.5kg and 750gm solo packs of Foxtail millets, Proso millets, Little millets, Barnyard millets, and Pearl millets.

Good quality and quick shipping/delivery are their USP making it a recommended choice for your millets journey. Try this ancient grain today and experience its goodness.

6. Swasth

Discover Swasth’s versatile millet combo packs of  2, 4, 5, and 6, featuring 1kg and 500g packages of Foxtail millets, Kodo millets, Browntop millets, Little millets, Barnyard millets, and Proso millets.

You can also order a single variety of millet if you want.

Feel the taste, tradition, and sustainability in every grain, with the balanced health benefits of millets.

7. B&B Organics

B&B Organics provides nutrient-rich millets, that are rich in essential vitamins, protein, good fats, carbohydrates, and other health-beneficial nutrients.

With B&B Organics, you can choose from a variety of millets like Barnyard millets, Kodo millets, Foxtail millets, Little millets, Browntop millets, Finger millets, Proso millets, Pearl millets, red and white Sorghum.

These products are available in packaging of 500g, 1kg, 5kg, and 10kg solo packs.

Also available are combo packs of 5 or 4 with 500g or 250g portions.

Additionally, they offer soaked and ground millets. Rest assured, all products are lab-tested and certified organic.

Enjoy wholesome goodness with B&B Organics.

8. SiriMart

SiriMart presents wholesome combo packs of 2, 3, 5, and 9, showcasing Foxtail millets, Proso millets, Kodo millets, Little millets, and Barnyard millets in varying packaging like 1kg, 950g, 800g, 700g, 400g,  200g and 250g each.

Their unpolished millets are pure, free from chemicals, pesticides, additives, and adulteration.

The offering USP lies in varying packaging options available for retail customers – so if you are someone who just wish to experiment with millets, go with 250g packaging.

And if you are someone who need it for regular purpose, 1kg is the best fit.

9. Utpanna’s Unpolished Millets

Introducing Utpanna’s unpolished millets which comes in combo packs of 3 and 5, featuring Foxtail millets, Kodo millets, Little millets, Barnyard millets, Browntop millets, in 1kg and 500g packages.

Their authentic millets are popular as they’re sourced directly from tribal, small, and marginal farmers, ensuring quality and freshness.

Utpanna’s millet flours are also a great option for preparing chapatis, etc. as they are slow-ground and preserve the whole bran. Certainly an option to consider.

10. Aranyaka

Aranyaka presents diverse unpolished millets – Little millets, Foxtail millets, Kodo millets, Barnyard millets, and Browntop millets, available in both solo and combo packs of 3, 4, or 5.

Each pack comprises of 1kg, 500g, or 250g packages. Enjoy natural farm produce, high protein, and fiber-rich goodness with Aranyaka unpolished millets at home.

Ending Words – Initiate Unpolished Millets in Your Regimen

Embracing the nutritional power of unpolished millets offers a transformative path toward improved health and sustainability.

These ancient grains are packed with essential nutrients, offering a wholesome alternative to refined grains in your diet like rice and wheat.

By incorporating millet into your daily meals, you can enhance your overall well-being, combat various health issues, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.