Nestlé launches ancient grain porridges in India

Nestlé is exploring opportunities to provide more diverse food choices to consumers, incorporating different types of ancient grains such as millet and sorghum. In India, the company has recently launched a range of a+ Masala millet-based porridges.

The a+ Masala millet porridges have been tailored to local nutritional needs and tastes. They are made with a blend of locally sourced ingredients including bajra (pearl millet), barley, vegetables and 10 spices. They come in two variants: Tangy Tomato and Veggie Masala. Both flavours are high in fibre and free of preservatives, containing 30% fewer calories than commonly consumed cereal-based breakfast recipes.

The products were initially developed by a team of Nestlé employees at the company’s R&D Accelerator in Manesar, India. The accelerator acts as a regional platform for students, startups and employees to go from idea to shop test in only a few months, leveraging Nestlé’s food and beverage innovation infrastructure and expertise.

Following a successful shop test conducted in New Delhi – National Capital Region (NCR) last December, the a+ Masala millet porridges have launched commercially in an expanded range of stores within the region, with more areas to follow later.

Jagdeep Marahar, Head of Nestlé's R&D centre in Manesar, said, “Millets are traditional grains known for their high nutritional value and their potential sustainability benefits. We are exploring innovation opportunities with startups, while partnering with local research institutions to encourage the utilisation of millet in different types of food and beverage products.”

The porridges carry an endorsement logo from the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) on-pack. Nestlé’s Manesar centre has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nutrihub-IIMR earlier this year. This aims to advance science and technology for millet manufacturing, to substantiate the nutrition and health benefits of millets in different products and explore regenerative agriculture practices. The initiative also aims to support local startups that are working in millet innovation.