Introduction

Long before protein bars and protein shakes existed, Indian farmers and households had access to some of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Millets, ragi, moth beans, and soya have been part of the Indian food ecosystem for thousands of years only to be largely displaced by wheat and rice in the post-Green Revolution era.

Today, these ancient ingredients are making a powerful comeback and for excellent reasons. At Grabeto, we’ve made them the foundation of our entire snack range. Here’s why these ingredients deserve a place not just in your pantry, but in your everyday snacking.

Millets: The Nutritional Powerhouse India Forgot

India is the world’s largest producer of millets, yet per-capita millet consumption has fallen dramatically over the past five decades. The United Nations designated 2023 the International Year of Millets a recognition of their extraordinary nutritional and ecological value.

Key Nutritional Benefits of Millets

• Rich in dietary fibre — supports gut health and sustained energy
• Naturally gluten-considerate — suitable for those with gluten sensitivity
• High in B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus
• Low glycaemic index — helps manage blood sugar levels
• Rich in antioxidants

Grabeto’s Multi Millet Chips harness the combined nutritional strength of multiple millet varieties jowar, bajra, foxtail millet, and more in a single, convenient snack.

💡 Millets require 70% less water to grow than wheat or rice, making them one of India’s most sustainable food crops.

Ragi: The Calcium King of Indian Grains

Finger millet known as ragi in South India is one of the most calcium-rich plant foods in the world. 100g of ragi contains approximately 344mg of calcium, making it an exceptional dietary source for vegetarians who do not consume dairy.

Why Ragi Deserves More Attention

• Outstanding calcium content — supports bone and dental health
• High in essential amino acids including methionine
• Rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties
• Supports iron absorption — helpful in managing anaemia
• Complex carbohydrate profile provides slow, sustained energy

Grabeto’s Crunchy Ragi Millet Mix brings this extraordinary grain into snack format without compromising on taste or crunch a genuinely guilt-free option that also happens to be delicious.

Soya: India’s Most Underrated Plant Protein

Soybean is one of the very few plant foods that provides a complete amino acid profile meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesise on its own. This makes it nutritionally equivalent to animal protein for muscle repair and maintenance.

Soya’s Nutritional Credentials

• Complete plant protein — all essential amino acids present
• Rich in isoflavones — associated with heart health benefits
• Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
• High in iron, calcium, and B vitamins
• Fibre-rich — supports digestive health

Grabeto’s Mexican Rice Soya Sticks combine the protein power of soya with the energising carbohydrate base of rice, seasoned with vibrant Mexican spices. It’s a snack that punches well above its weight nutritionally.

Moth Beans: The Protein Bhujiya You Didn’t Know You Needed

Moth beans (matki in Marathi) are a native Indian legume with exceptional protein and fibre content. Used traditionally in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, they are drought-resistant, ecologically resilient, and nutritionally remarkable.

• Protein content: approximately 22-23g per 100g (raw)
• High in complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Rich in folate, potassium, and zinc
• Excellent source of dietary fibre

Grabeto’s Moth Protein Bhujiya takes this exceptional legume and crafts it into the bhujiya format that Indians love — reimagined for modern nutritional standards.

Why Ancient Ingredients Make Better Snacks

There’s a reason these ingredients have sustained Indian populations for millennia: they work. They’re nutritionally balanced, digestively compatible with the Indian gut, and ecologically appropriate for the Indian subcontinent. Modern ultra-processed snacks, by contrast, are engineered for palatability not nutrition. At Biome, our conviction is simple: the best ingredients for modern snacking are often the oldest ones. We just need the innovation to make them exciting again