In recent years, millets in India have made a powerful comeback — not just as a traditional staple, but as a modern-day superfood. There is the rising demand for healthy, sustainable, and gluten-free grains. These top 5 millets trending in India are used across urban kitchens, fitness communities, and health-conscious households.
India, the largest producer of millets globally, is home to a variety of these ancient grains, each packed with unique nutritional and health benefits. Let’s explore the top 5 millets trending in India in this article. Read on to know in which state they are grown, what dishes are prepared , and why they are capturing national attention.
Ragi (Finger Millet)–
Popular Regions: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
Health Benefits:
- Rich in calcium (more than any other cereal)
- Excellent for bone health and growth in children
- High in dietary fiber and iron
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels
Culinary Uses:
Ragi is commonly used in making ragi malt, ragi roti, porridge, and cookies. It is also gaining popularity in baby food and diabetic-friendly recipes.
2. Bajra (Pearl Millet)–millets trending in India
Popular Regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana
Health Benefits:
- High in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium
- Helps in reducing cholesterol and improving heart health
- Naturally gluten-free
Culinary Uses:
Bajra is used in traditional recipes like bajra roti, khichdi, and ladoos. In urban diets, it’s also used in multigrain flour blends and millet-based snacks.
3. Jowar (Sorghum)
Popular Regions: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh
Health Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber
- Good for heart and digestive health
- Suitable for gluten-free diets
Culinary Uses:
Jowar flour is used to make bhakri, pancakes, tortillas, and even healthy crackers. It is also being used in cereals and health bars.
4. Foxtail Millet (Kangni / Kakum)
one of the top 5 millets trending in India Popular Regions: Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
Health Benefits:
- A great source of complex carbs, protein, and iron
- Helps in controlling blood sugar levels
- Aids in weight loss and muscle function
Culinary Uses:
Foxtail millet is commonly used in upma, pulao, idli. It’s a great rice substitute for diabetic and fitness-conscious individuals.
5. Little Millet (Kutki / Sama)–Millets trending in India
one of the top 5 millets trending in India Popular Regions: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha
Health Benefits:
- Rich in B vitamins, minerals like iron, and antioxidants
- Easily digestible and ideal for detox diets
- Low glycemic index — suitable for diabetics
Culinary Uses:
Little millet is used in dishes like kheer, upma, pongal, and energy bars. It’s also great in fasting and detox meals.
Why Millets Are the Future of Indian Nutrition
With the UN declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, there has been a renewed focus on promoting millets for food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Millets require less water, grow well in arid soils, and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to rice or wheat — making them climate-resilient and eco-friendly crops.
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