Nachni / Ragi – The Supergrain You Didn’t Know You Needed

Also, known as Finger Millet or Ragi, Nachni has been a part of Indian kitchens for centuries. Traditionally used in porridges, rotis, and laddoos, we, at The Roasted Alternative, are now bringing this nutrient-dense, gluten-free supergrain into the snacking spotlight.

Nachni is a hardy grain, which grows even in semi-arid conditions, high altitudes, and required relatively low water. It is naturally gluten-free, making it a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivity. Agreed it’s a bit of an acquired taste, but it more than makes for it in nutrition.

For starters, it’s loaded with calcium (with approx 330mg of calcium in 100gms, it’s among the top grains when it comes to calcium content). Great for growing kids, fitness buffs, or just keeping bones and teeth happy as you get older, reducing risks of osteoporosis and helping with bone density.

Its high iron content (approx 3.9mg in 100gms) makes it a good grain for supporting healthy haemoglobin levels and fighting fatigue. It’s worth remembering however, that the iron in finger millet is non-heme iron, which is not as easily absorbed as the heme iron found in animal products. Consuming finger millet with vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, can significantly enhance its bioavailability.

High in fibre, so it keeps your tummy happy and you full longer. It not only keeps digestion smooth but also helps you feel full for longer, which is great if you’re trying to avoid mindless snacking, and for weight control. Combined with minerals (like magnesium), and antioxidants, that it contains, it may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and help reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Nachni has a low glycemic index, which means it releases sugar slowly into your bloodstream, helping keep blood sugar levels stable. Moreover, slow-releasing carbs = no post-snack sugar crash.

Amino acids like methionine, lysine; plus minerals and vitamins contribute to skin repair, hair growth, and general rejuvenation. In short, it’s good for your skin, hair, and muscles.

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Roasted Snacks

Roasted Gluten Free Nachni Bites – 150gms

₹250.00

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With all these supergrainy benefits, can you afford to miss out? Well, the biggest challenge with nachni is it’s not always the quickest grain to cook with – and not everyone has time to prepare porridge or rotis every day. Which is where we come in. Our crunchy, bite-sized Roasted Gluten Free Nachni Bites bring together everything you love about nachni – the nutrition, the slow energy release, the lightness – in a flavourful ready-to-eat form.

Plus, they are:
Roasted, Not Fried – so our snacks are light and guilt-free
Naturally Gluten-Free – ideal for anyone avoiding wheat
Perfectly Seasoned – tasty enough to satisfy cravings without being heavy on salt or oil. Flavour + nutrition.
Snackable + Satisfying – great for when you’re done with the regular chips and namkeen, and want a healthier alternative.

So, go ahead and keep a pack in your bag, desk drawer, or snack cupboard – they’re ideal for work, travel, or those “I just need something to munch” moments.

Just remember, that because it’s very filling and slow to digest, large portions at once (especially late at night) might feel heavy.

Sometimes, “tradition” works, and it helps to look back for a healthier us. Nachni or ragi, is one of the smartest choices we can make for everyday health. From supporting bones and blood health to keeping our energy levels stable – it’s a grain that works for everyone. Which is why, at The Roasted Alternative, we believe in giving you snacking alternatives which are high on taste as well as nutrition.

Because when it comes to flavour and wellness – you shouldn’t have to choose.

Delve Deeper:
Health benefits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) polyphenols and dietary fiber: a review (PubMed Central)
Ragi Benefits: A Superfood for Weight Loss & Bone Health (Metropolis)
Calcium from Finger Millet—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Calcium Retention, Bone Resorption, and In Vitro Bioavailability (MDPI)