Before the late 1990s, the process of obtaining wheat flour (atta) in India was a bit more hands-on. People would typically purchase raw wheat in bulk, go through the laborious process of cleaning it by hand, store it, and then use traditional hand-driven chakkis (mills) to grind the wheat into flour for their daily cooking needs. This method was quite common across the country.
While local chakki mills still hold a significant presence in many parts of India, there has been a noticeable shift towards packaged wheat flour, especially in most metro cities and small urban centers. Interestingly, even rural areas are gradually embracing packaged wheat flour.
The packaged wheat flour market in India is experiencing remarkable growth, with a staggering Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 21%. This growth trend is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the near future.
This shift towards packaged wheat flour signifies changing consumer preferences, convenience, and evolving lifestyles. Packaged wheat flour offers a more accessible and time-saving solution for many, making it a rising star in the Indian food industry.
How to choose the Right Atta Brand – Buying Guide
If you’re considering making the switch to packaged wheat flour in India, here’s a simple buying guide to help you navigate this change:
- Quality Matters: Check the quality of the wheat flour you’re buying. Look for brands that offer good quality, finely ground flour. This ensures that your rotis and other dishes turn out soft and tasty.
- Packaging: Pay attention to the packaging. Quality brands use food-grade, airtight packaging that helps keep the flour fresh and free from contaminants.
- Brands: Explore different brands available in your area. Some brands might offer special varieties like whole wheat flour, multi-grain flour, or fortified flour with added nutrients. Choose according to your preferences and dietary needs.
- Nutrient Content: If you’re health-conscious, check the nutrient content on the packaging. Some brands offer fortified wheat flour with added vitamins and minerals, providing extra health benefits.
- Storage: Once you’ve purchased packaged wheat flour, ensure proper storage. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and pests.
- Quantity: Buy in quantities that suit your needs. Wheat flour has a limited shelf life, so it’s best not to buy too much at once, especially if you won’t use it quickly.
- Local Availability: While packaged wheat flour is widely available in most places, it’s always a good idea to check local stores and supermarkets for the best options and deals.
- Price: Compare prices among different brands and sizes to get the best value for your money.
- Consumer Reviews: If you’re unsure about a particular brand or product, you can look up consumer reviews and ratings online to get insights from others who have tried it.
- Experiment: Don’t hesitate to try different brands until you find one that you like the most in terms of taste and quality. Everyone’s preferences are different.
By following these guidelines, you can make an informed choice when switching to packaged wheat flour in India. Enjoy the convenience and quality that packaged flour offers while maintaining the delicious taste of your traditional dishes.
Top 5 Best Atta Brands in India
Here are the top 5 best atta brands in India, each offering something unique for your dietary needs and preferences:
5. 24 Mantra Organic Atta: Known for its rich nutrient content, including protein, vitamin B, and vitamin E, 24 Mantra Organic Atta is an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. It’s especially suitable for diabetics and those with high cholesterol as it’s grown without pesticides or PMOs.
4. Nature Fresh Sampoorna Atta: Manufactured by Cargill India, Nature Fresh Sampoorna Atta undergoes a thorough 3-stage cleaning process and traditional chakki grinding to ensure soft and healthy rotis.
3. Pillsbury Fresh Chakki Atta: Pillsbury, a veteran in packaged wheat brands, offers rotis that remain soft for up to 6 hours. It’s rich in dietary fibers, aiding digestion and overall health. They also offer a multigrain variant containing a blend of 7 grains for increased fiber and nutrition.
2. Fortune Fresh Chakki Atta: Made with a high-quality wheat blend, Fortune Fresh Chakki Atta absorbs more water, resulting in soft and fluffy rotis. This product is a top-seller from Adani Wilmar.
1. Aashirvaad Atta: Aashirvaad, owned by ITC Ltd., is a renowned brand of staple food and kitchen ingredients. Aashirvaad Superior MP Atta is known for absorbing more water, creating soft, fluffy, and delicious rotis. With 6500+ sourcing centers and a vast network of Indian rural farmers, Aashirvaad ensures premium quality atta. They also offer variants like Aashirvaad Atta with Multigrains, Aashirvaad Select Sharbati Atta made from premium quality sharbati wheat, and Aashirvaad Sugar Release Control Atta, recommended for diabetics.
Consider your dietary preferences and nutritional requirements when choosing from these top atta brands, and enjoy delicious and healthy rotis for your meal
