Across urban India, the simple roti, a staple for everyone, is changing in small ways. This change isn't loud or driven by health trends; it reflects how Indian home cooks have always adapted, asking whether the methods that worked in the past still work today and whether there are better options.
What is Khapli Atta?
Many households are turning to a different type of flour: Khapli. This flour comes from an ancient variety of Emmer wheat, with roots in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Khapli atta has more fiber and protein than modern wheat and contains less gluten, though it is not gluten-free.
During the Green Revolution, Khapli largely disappeared from urban kitchens because modern wheat was cheaper and easier to process. Now, it is making a comeback. Brands like Bharat Vedica offer Organic Khapli Wheat Flour, which is stone-ground and sourced directly from farmers in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Each pack goes through over 40 quality checks and comes with a traceable certificate, appealing to home cooks who want more from their flour.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Why did I start Khapli atta?
I started looking for a solution because my diet made me feel bloated, especially in the mornings, possibly due to PCOS. As a health and wellness journalist, I asked my dietitian and talked to several nutritionists. I discovered Khapli and had a casual conversation with them to learn more. My first concern was the cost: boutique brands were too expensive to use as a regular flour in my household. Switching to Khapli (emmer) wheat flour helped me stop feeling heavy after meals. This ancient grain has weaker gluten and more fiber than modern wheat, which makes a difference for me.
Bharat Vedica’s Khapli Atta is a great choice
I tried it for the first time at a good price of ₹195.00 per kg after adjusting my budget. I used to spend a lot on bakery items, but this helped me save money. Now, I don’t plan to switch back. After a dinner of Khapli roti, I feel light the next morning. I eat my tiffin rotis at 1:30 PM and have dinner at 8:45 PM, and the rotis stay soft. My mother’s tip is to add a little milk while kneading the dough to make the rotis even softer.
"Three rotis made with Bharat Vedica Organic Khapli Wheat Flour give you about 34% of your daily fiber and 23% of your daily protein," says nutritionist Dr Rohini Patil. That’s a significant boost in nutrition from something you already make every day. However, the real test comes when my sister-in-law, extended family, and others who aren't used to the taste switch back to regular flour.
What are the top 5 superfoods?
You don’t need to buy expensive superfoods to eat better. Most Indian kitchens have common foods that can improve your health more because you consume them daily. The key is to use fresh, natural ingredients that are as unprocessed as possible. Here are five important staples to consider.
1. Emmer wheat (khapli atta)
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Our Principles
Full Transparency
Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.
Brand Confidence
We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.
Bharat Vedica's khapli wheat atta is a whole-grain flour made from ancient wheat, known for its nutty flavor and health benefits. It’s often used in traditional Indian cooking, particularly for making rotis and other flatbreads. Khapli wheat is appreciated for its high nutritional content, including fiber, protein, and essential minerals. It's also considered beneficial for digestive health. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular wheat flour, khapli wheat atta is a great choice, priced between ₹153 and ₹195 per kg.
2. Sorghum millet (organic jowar)
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Bharat Vedica's organic jowar, also known as sorghum millet, is a nutritious ancient grain that is grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides. It is naturally gluten-free and contains plenty of dietary fiber, protein, iron, and magnesium. This makes it a great low-glycemic option for heart health, blood sugar management, and supporting digestion. Prices range from ₹94 to ₹110 for a 500g pack and about ₹136 to ₹152 for a 1kg pack.
3. Pearl millet (bajra)
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Bharat Vedica's organic pearl millet, also known as bajra in India, is a nutritious and gluten-free cereal grain. It is a key staple food in dry regions. This grain belongs to the grass family and is very tough, growing well in hot, dry conditions where other crops may not survive. India is the world's largest producer of pearl millet; prices range from ₹102 to ₹105 for a 500-gram pack.
4. Little millet (kutki)
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Bharat Vedica's organic kutki, also known scientifically as Panicum sumatrense and commonly as little millet, is a nutritious, ancient, gluten-free grain native to India. It is widely used as a healthy, low-glycemic substitute for white rice. It is rich in dietary fiber, iron, and B vitamins, and is priced at ₹132- ₹140 for a 500g pack and approximately ₹221- ₹270 for a 1 kg pack.
5. Black sesame wood-pressed oil
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Bharat Vedica's black sesame wood-pressed oil is a 100% natural, unrefined oil extracted from unhulled black sesame seeds using traditional wooden presses (kolhu, chekku, or kacchi ghani). This slow, heat-free process preserves its rich nutrients, strong antioxidants, and bold, nutty flavor, making it popular for cooking and Ayurvedic wellness; it is priced at ₹1460/-.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up to date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. They were provided to HT Shop Now by the brand for testing and evaluation. Our opinions remain independent and based on our personal experience with the items. Please patch test the products before use.)
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.