Millets have been a part of traditional Indian diets for centuries, but they are becoming popular again as people look for nutritious grains and alternatives to highly refined foods.

From Jowar and Bajra to Ragi, Foxtail Millet, Kodo Millet, Little Millet and Barnyard Millet, each millet has its own taste, texture and culinary uses.

At PaushtEat, we bring several traditional Indian millets into a convenient modern format — penne pasta made with different grains and superfoods. Our goal is to make it easier to include traditional grains in everyday meals.

In this guide, you'll learn about the major types of millets, their characteristics, how to use them and how you can include them in everyday meals.

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What Are Millets?

Millets are small-seeded cereal grains that have traditionally been cultivated and eaten in many parts of India and other parts of Asia and Africa.

They are versatile grains that can be used in rotis, porridges, dosa, snacks, rice alternatives and modern foods such as pasta.

Unlike refined grains, whole millets retain the bran and germ, which contribute fibre and various nutrients to the grain.

There are several different varieties of millet, and each has a slightly different flavour, texture and cooking method.

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7 Traditional Indian Millets You Should Know

Here are seven traditional millet varieties commonly used in Indian food.

1. Jowar (Sorghum)

Jowar, also known as sorghum, is one of India's best-known traditional grains.

It has a mild, slightly earthy flavour and can be used to make rotis, bhakri, porridge and other dishes.

Jowar is also available as a modern pasta option.

Jowar Pasta

PaushtEat Jowar Pasta brings sorghum into a familiar penne pasta shape, making it easy to use with tomato sauce, vegetables, Indian masala or other favourite pasta recipes.

Explore: Jowar Millet Pasta

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2. Bajra (Pearl Millet)

Bajra, or pearl millet, is another important traditional Indian millet.

It has a distinctive earthy flavour and is traditionally used in dishes such as bajra roti and khichdi.

Bajra can also be incorporated into modern meals.

Bajra Pasta

Bajra Pasta gives you another way to experiment with pearl millet without changing the familiar pasta format.

It can be paired with vegetables, tomato-based sauces, Indian spices or creamy sauces.

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3. Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi, also called finger millet, is particularly well known in Indian cuisine.

It is traditionally used for ragi roti, dosa, porridge and many other recipes.

Ragi is also commonly associated with calcium and other nutrients, making it a popular grain in many Indian households.

Ragi Pasta

PaushtEat Ragi Pasta combines this traditional grain with a familiar penne format.

Try it with tomato sauce, vegetables, pesto or an Indian-style masala sauce.

Explore: Ragi Millet Pasta

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4. Foxtail Millet

Foxtail Millet is another traditional millet that has become increasingly popular among people exploring diverse grains.

It has a distinctive grain flavour and works well in a variety of savoury dishes.

It can be used in traditional recipes as well as modern meals.

Foxtail Millet Pasta

PaushtEat Foxtail Millet Pasta is available in penne shape and can be used with red sauce, white sauce, pesto, vegetables and Indian-style seasonings.

Explore: Foxtail Millet Pasta

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5. Barnyard Millet

Barnyard Millet, also known as Sanwa in some parts of India, is another traditional millet used in Indian cooking.

It has a relatively mild flavour, making it versatile for different recipes.

It can be used in dishes such as khichdi, upma and other grain-based meals.

Barnyard Millet Pasta

Barnyard Millet Pasta offers another convenient way to experiment with this grain.

Its mild flavour makes it suitable for tomato sauces, vegetables, pesto and Indian masala recipes.

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6. Kodo Millet

Kodo Millet is an ancient grain traditionally grown and consumed in parts of India.

It can be used in a variety of everyday preparations and has a distinctive grain character.

Kodo Millet Pasta

Kodo Millet Pasta can be combined with vegetables, herbs, tomato sauce or Indian spices.

It is also included in PaushtEat's Millets Basket, alongside six other traditional millet varieties.

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7. Little Millet

Little Millet is another traditional Indian millet that can be used as part of a diverse grain-based diet.

It works well in everyday recipes and can be incorporated into modern meals.

Little Millet Pasta

PaushtEat Little Millet Pasta provides another convenient way to try this traditional grain in a familiar penne format.

You can pair it with vegetables, sauces, herbs or Indian spices.

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Millet Comparison at a Glance

Millet	Also Known As	Common Uses	PaushtEat Pasta
Jowar	Sorghum	Roti, bhakri, porridge	Jowar Pasta
Bajra	Pearl Millet	Roti, khichdi	Bajra Pasta
Ragi	Finger Millet	Roti, dosa, porridge	Ragi Pasta
Foxtail Millet	Kangni	Grain dishes, meals	Foxtail Millet Pasta
Barnyard Millet	Sanwa	Khichdi, upma	Barnyard Millet Pasta
Kodo Millet	Koden	Grain dishes, meals	Kodo Millet Pasta
Little Millet	Kutki	Rice alternatives, meals	Little Millet Pasta

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Why Include Different Millets in Your Diet?

One of the biggest advantages of exploring different millets is variety.

Instead of relying on the same grain every day, you can rotate different grains and discover different flavours, textures and recipes.

Millets can also be incorporated into many familiar foods.

For example:

• Millet roti

• Millet dosa

• Millet khichdi

• Millet upma

• Millet porridge

• Millet bowls

• Millet snacks

• Millet pasta

The key is to find convenient ways to include them in meals you already enjoy.

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How to Eat More Millets Every Week

You don't need to completely change your diet to start eating more millets.

Try simple swaps.

Breakfast

Try a millet-based porridge, dosa or upma.

Lunch

Use millet in a grain bowl or traditional Indian meal.

Dinner

Try millet roti, khichdi or millet-based pasta.

Family Meals

Millet pasta can be an easy way to introduce different grains to children and adults because the shape and cooking method are familiar.

PaushtEat offers a range of millet and supergrain pasta varieties designed for everyday meals.

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Try 7 Different Millets in One Pasta Collection

If you're not sure which millet to try first, a variety pack can be an easy starting point.

The PaushtEat Millets Basket includes seven traditional millet pasta varieties:

1. Jowar

2. Bajra

3. Ragi

4. Foxtail Millet

5. Barnyard Millet

6. Little Millet

7. Kodo Millet

Each pack contains 210g, giving the collection a total of 1.47 kg of pasta.

Explore: PaushtEat Millets Basket – 7 Millet Pasta Varieties

This makes it possible to try different grains and discover which flavours and textures your family prefers.

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Millet Pasta Recipe Ideas

You don't have to use a complicated recipe.

Tomato Millet Pasta

Cook your favourite millet pasta and combine it with tomato sauce, onions, garlic and vegetables.

Indian Masala Millet Pasta

Add onion, tomato, capsicum and Indian spices to cooked millet pasta for a simple masala-style meal.

Vegetable Millet Pasta

Combine cooked pasta with sautéed vegetables and your favourite herbs.

Pesto Millet Pasta

Try Foxtail, Ragi or another millet pasta with pesto, vegetables and fresh herbs.

Pasta Salad

Cook and cool the pasta, then combine it with fresh vegetables and your preferred dressing.

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Millets vs Refined Pasta

Millet pasta and conventional pasta can be quite different depending on the ingredients used.

If you're looking for a pasta made from traditional grains, check the ingredient list carefully and choose a product that matches your dietary preferences.

PaushtEat's millet pasta range is positioned as an alternative to conventional pasta, with products made from ingredients such as Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Little Millet and Kodo Millet.

The brand's product information also highlights no preservatives and no artificial colours for its Millets Basket.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Millets

1. How many types of millets are there?

There are many millet species and varieties. In Indian food culture, commonly discussed varieties include Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and Little Millet.

2. Which are the main millets used in India?

Some of the most commonly discussed traditional Indian millets are Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and Little Millet.

3. Which millet is also called sorghum?

Jowar is the Indian name commonly used for sorghum.

4. Which millet is also called pearl millet?

Bajra is commonly known as pearl millet.

5. Which millet is known as finger millet?

Ragi is commonly known as finger millet.

6. Is millet naturally gluten-free?

Most commonly consumed millets are naturally gluten-free. However, people with celiac disease or a serious gluten allergy should check product labels and possible cross-contact information before consuming processed millet products.

7. Can children eat millet?

Millets can be included in children's diets as part of a varied, balanced diet. The appropriate foods and portions depend on the child's age and individual nutritional needs.

8. Can I use millet instead of rice?

Millets can be used as an alternative grain in many meals, but the cooking method and texture vary by variety.

9. What is the easiest way to start eating millets?

Start with foods you already enjoy. For example, you can try millet roti, dosa, khichdi or millet pasta instead of completely changing your meal routine.

10. Which millet pasta should I try first?

If you're new to millet pasta, a variety pack is a simple way to compare different grains. The PaushtEat Millets Basket includes seven varieties: Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail, Barnyard, Little Millet and Kodo.

11. Does PaushtEat sell different millet pasta varieties?

Yes. PaushtEat offers multiple millet and supergrain pasta varieties, including Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and Little Millet, along with other grain-based options.

12. Does millet pasta contain preservatives?

The PaushtEat Millets Basket product specifications state that the seven-variety collection contains no preservatives and no artificial colours. Always check the ingredient and nutrition information on the specific pack you purchase.

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Final Thoughts

Millets don't have to be limited to traditional recipes.

From Jowar, Bajra and Ragi to Foxtail, Barnyard, Kodo and Little Millet, there are many grains to explore.

The easiest approach is to start with familiar meals and gradually introduce different grains into your weekly routine.

And if you're a pasta lover, millet pasta provides a simple way to explore these traditional grains in a familiar format.

Explore the PaushtEat Millets Basket and discover seven traditional millet pasta varieties in one collection.