Article 2: What Is Millet Milk?
Millet milk is a plant-based milk made by blending millet grains with water and straining the mixture into a smooth, creamy liquid. It is a dairy-free alternative that carries the gentle, earthy character of one of the world's oldest cultivated grains.
What Are Millets?
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses grown for thousands of years across Asia and Africa. Familiar varieties in India include ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), foxtail millet and little millet. They are naturally gluten-free, thrive in dry climates, and need far less water than crops like rice or sugarcane.
How Is Millet Milk Made?
The basic process is straightforward:
1. Millet grains are cleaned and soaked or lightly cooked.
2. They are blended with water into a fine slurry.
3. The mixture is strained to remove the solids.
4. The resulting milk can be used as it is or further processed for food production.
Different millets give different results.
What Does Millet Milk Taste Like?
Millet milk is mild, lightly sweet and slightly nutty. It has none of the strong flavour of coconut or the beany note of some soy milks or almond milks. That neutrality makes it an excellent canvas for desserts, coffee and cooking.
Why Choose Millet Milk?
· Free from dairy, lactose, soy and nuts: A gentle option for many people with common allergies (always check the label for your specific needs).
· Naturally gluten-free grain base: Millets do not contain gluten, though cross-contamination in processing varies by producer.
· Sustainable: Millets are hardy, drought-tolerant crops with a lower environmental footprint than many alternatives.
· Rooted in Indian food tradition: Millets have long been part of regional diets, so this is an old ingredient in a new form.
How Is Millet Milk Used?
· As a drink on its own
· In coffee, tea and smoothies
· In porridge, baking and cooking
· As the base for desserts, including Siri Vegan Ice Creams
Millet Milk in Ice Cream
Ice cream needs body, and millet milk delivers a smooth, creamy base without dairy. SIRI uses millet milk as the foundation of its luxury vegan ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is millet milk the same as ragi milk?
Ragi milk is one type of millet milk, made specifically from finger millet. "Millet milk" is the broader category.
Is millet milk healthy?
Millets are valued for fibre and minerals, and millet milk is dairy-free. Nutrition varies between products, so check the label.
Can I make millet milk at home?
Yes, with a blender and a fine strainer. Commercial versions are typically smoother and more consistent.
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