Diversity in India encompasses a wide range of elements, which include languages, religions, cultural traditions, and art forms. This richness is also reflected in the food we consume, with multiple grains forming the foundation of most diets with rice, wheat, bajra, millet, oats and many others. The different ways these grains are cooked and enjoyed across the country, reveals the incredible culinary heritage we have inherited.
Different regions in India have their preferences when it comes to grains. For instance, rice, the largest single cereal food consumed globally, is a staple in the South and East, while wheat dominates the North. Gujarat stands out for its high consumption of pulses. Apart from rice and wheat, the country also boasts of a variety of cereal grains, each bearing distinct character and nutritional value. Barley, with its earthy taste and high fibre content, features prominently in dishes across North India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The versatile grain of Maize plays a significant role in the cuisines of Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka – right from snacks to main courses. Additionally, sorghum (jowar), millet, rye, and oats are valued equally for their health benefits and versatility.
This entire grain food group, in all its varied forms, is deeply ingrained in our culture; it not only adds layers of meaning and tradition to the simple act of eating but also plays a vital role in supporting economies around the world. Each grain has its distinct nutritional advantages that contribute to overall body health. For instance, the presence of fibre in wheat helps to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. On the other hand, jowar is rich in protein and essential minerals which helps to enhance muscle repair as well as increase energy levels. The high soluble fibre in oats is good for the heart as it helps to reduce cholesterol levels. Millets like ragiare packed with calcium as well as dietary fibre, and phenolic compounds; these are essential for bone and gut health as well as in managing iron deficiency.
Rise of multigrain products
Driven by the fact that each grain is a gold mine of nutrients, people have been experimenting at home by combining and creating a mix of three or more cereal grains, millets and pulses while making parathas, chillas or dry snacks. The trend of incorporating a variety of grains into one’s diet to experience the collective benefits each has to offer has transitioned from home kitchens to supermarket shelves, resulting in the popularity of multigrain products. These blends often consist of rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, millets, and pulses, allowing consumers to enjoy the unique flavours, textures, and nutritional benefits of each grain.
Multigrain products are the new go-to for the health-conscious in an increasingly health and wellness oriented world. This shift reflects a growing interest in nutrition and mindful eating practices among consumers. There is a demand for foods that are not only delicious but also beneficial for overall well-being. Consumers are expanding their preferences beyond multigrain options like wheat, jowar, ragi and oats by including pseudo grains like rajgira (amaranth), quinoa and tapioca among others.
Factors fuelling this quest for variety have been triggered by global exposure and increased awareness about grains. What helped to transform this awareness into a movement was when the UN declared 2023 as the Year of Millets withthe government investing in it heavily – it not only led to a subsequent increase in production and consumption of millets but also created a heightened awareness of millets and the world of grains on the whole. Some of the governmental nutrition bodies were even considering the possibility of recommending a specific amount of millet in every diet.
‘Mix’ing up a storm
While multigrain comes across as a simple concept, putting together the right mix can get cumbersome, especially when you are leading a busy life. Crafting your own mixture of grains involves thorough ingredient selection, accurate proportions and thorough blending – a process that can be quite time-consuming for many. This is the reason why there is a high demand for foods that can be easily prepared, stored, and consumed across the globe. Multigrain cereal options, premixes as well as ready-to-eat options not only serve as a quick fix for those with time constraints but are also easily accessible at the majority of grocery stores. So, whether you decide to make your own blend or go for a ready-to-eat option, the advantages of adding multigrains to your diet are unquestionable. The efforts will go a long way in contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
Multigrain breakfast options and snacks with nuts offer a protein-rich crunch, while others incorporate grains with fruits and vegetables such as beetroot and banana for a healthy twist flavour. This not only enhances their nutritional profile but also produces unique and attractive flavours that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The bakery segment, on the other hand, is in a race of numbers - combining and blending a large number of grains, and most often, unusual grains; these products are often promoted as 5-grain, 7-grain or 12-grain bread or other forms of snacks. All these innovations help to popularise multiplicity, which helps consumers benefit from the single mix of multiple grains with or without fruit or vegetable additions.
Nutrition on the go
The multigrain trend is here to stay and with good reason! The demand for these wholesome options continues to fuel innovation, pushing producers to create products that cater to diverse dietary needs, preferences, and sustainability concerns. This means a wider range of delicious and nutritious multigrain choices than ever before. But with so many options, it’s important to make informed choices. For one, opt for multigrain mixes that use whole grains or at least avoid those with a high quantity of refined grain. Note the combination of grains in the package - it should be nutrient-dense with grains like ragi, jowar, bajra, pulses, nuts and seeds providing the right balance.
Many are opting to eating products that are high on multigrains for health or fitness reasons. However, if you are new to them, then make sure to introduce them gradually into your diet and observe how your body reacts. These are indigenous grains and our digestive systems may need time to adjust to them. Besides, like any other habit, it demands complete attention, so you need to invest in it and be consistent to reap benefit out of it.
So are you planning to include multigrains as a staple food for your family? Start today! In fact, if you start early by including them as a habit in your kids food from now, they will harvest the nutritional benefits of these good grains throughout their lives.
-With inputs from Swarn Singh, Director – Research & Development, Kellanova South Asia
Different regions in India have their preferences when it comes to grains. For instance, rice, the largest single cereal food consumed globally, is a staple in the South and East, while wheat dominates the North. Gujarat stands out for its high consumption of pulses. Apart from rice and wheat, the country also boasts of a variety of cereal grains, each bearing distinct character and nutritional value. Barley, with its earthy taste and high fibre content, features prominently in dishes across North India, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. The versatile grain of Maize plays a significant role in the cuisines of Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka – right from snacks to main courses. Additionally, sorghum (jowar), millet, rye, and oats are valued equally for their health benefits and versatility.
This entire grain food group, in all its varied forms, is deeply ingrained in our culture; it not only adds layers of meaning and tradition to the simple act of eating but also plays a vital role in supporting economies around the world. Each grain has its distinct nutritional advantages that contribute to overall body health. For instance, the presence of fibre in wheat helps to improve digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. On the other hand, jowar is rich in protein and essential minerals which helps to enhance muscle repair as well as increase energy levels. The high soluble fibre in oats is good for the heart as it helps to reduce cholesterol levels. Millets like ragiare packed with calcium as well as dietary fibre, and phenolic compounds; these are essential for bone and gut health as well as in managing iron deficiency.
Rise of multigrain products
Driven by the fact that each grain is a gold mine of nutrients, people have been experimenting at home by combining and creating a mix of three or more cereal grains, millets and pulses while making parathas, chillas or dry snacks. The trend of incorporating a variety of grains into one’s diet to experience the collective benefits each has to offer has transitioned from home kitchens to supermarket shelves, resulting in the popularity of multigrain products. These blends often consist of rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, millets, and pulses, allowing consumers to enjoy the unique flavours, textures, and nutritional benefits of each grain.
Multigrain products are the new go-to for the health-conscious in an increasingly health and wellness oriented world. This shift reflects a growing interest in nutrition and mindful eating practices among consumers. There is a demand for foods that are not only delicious but also beneficial for overall well-being. Consumers are expanding their preferences beyond multigrain options like wheat, jowar, ragi and oats by including pseudo grains like rajgira (amaranth), quinoa and tapioca among others.
Factors fuelling this quest for variety have been triggered by global exposure and increased awareness about grains. What helped to transform this awareness into a movement was when the UN declared 2023 as the Year of Millets withthe government investing in it heavily – it not only led to a subsequent increase in production and consumption of millets but also created a heightened awareness of millets and the world of grains on the whole. Some of the governmental nutrition bodies were even considering the possibility of recommending a specific amount of millet in every diet.
‘Mix’ing up a storm
While multigrain comes across as a simple concept, putting together the right mix can get cumbersome, especially when you are leading a busy life. Crafting your own mixture of grains involves thorough ingredient selection, accurate proportions and thorough blending – a process that can be quite time-consuming for many. This is the reason why there is a high demand for foods that can be easily prepared, stored, and consumed across the globe. Multigrain cereal options, premixes as well as ready-to-eat options not only serve as a quick fix for those with time constraints but are also easily accessible at the majority of grocery stores. So, whether you decide to make your own blend or go for a ready-to-eat option, the advantages of adding multigrains to your diet are unquestionable. The efforts will go a long way in contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
Multigrain breakfast options and snacks with nuts offer a protein-rich crunch, while others incorporate grains with fruits and vegetables such as beetroot and banana for a healthy twist flavour. This not only enhances their nutritional profile but also produces unique and attractive flavours that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
The bakery segment, on the other hand, is in a race of numbers - combining and blending a large number of grains, and most often, unusual grains; these products are often promoted as 5-grain, 7-grain or 12-grain bread or other forms of snacks. All these innovations help to popularise multiplicity, which helps consumers benefit from the single mix of multiple grains with or without fruit or vegetable additions.
Nutrition on the go
The multigrain trend is here to stay and with good reason! The demand for these wholesome options continues to fuel innovation, pushing producers to create products that cater to diverse dietary needs, preferences, and sustainability concerns. This means a wider range of delicious and nutritious multigrain choices than ever before. But with so many options, it’s important to make informed choices. For one, opt for multigrain mixes that use whole grains or at least avoid those with a high quantity of refined grain. Note the combination of grains in the package - it should be nutrient-dense with grains like ragi, jowar, bajra, pulses, nuts and seeds providing the right balance.
Many are opting to eating products that are high on multigrains for health or fitness reasons. However, if you are new to them, then make sure to introduce them gradually into your diet and observe how your body reacts. These are indigenous grains and our digestive systems may need time to adjust to them. Besides, like any other habit, it demands complete attention, so you need to invest in it and be consistent to reap benefit out of it.
So are you planning to include multigrains as a staple food for your family? Start today! In fact, if you start early by including them as a habit in your kids food from now, they will harvest the nutritional benefits of these good grains throughout their lives.
-With inputs from Swarn Singh, Director – Research & Development, Kellanova South Asia
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