In the world of food manufacturing, especially in snack production, one ingredient plays a quiet yet powerful role — corn grits. Whether it’s crispy namkeen, crunchy puff snacks, or extruded chips, corn grits are behind many of the popular snacks we love in India.
But what exactly are corn grits? How are they used? And why do snack manufacturers across India trust them?
Let’s explore.
🌽 What is Corn Grits?
Corn grits are small, coarse particles made by grinding dried maize (corn). Think of them as a middle ground between whole corn and fine corn flour. The process involves removing the outer skin of the corn kernel and crushing the core into uniform-sized particles.
They are yellow, orange in color, depending on the variety of corn used, and are widely used in food processing due to their texture, shelf life, and cooking behavior.
🏭 Types of Corn Grits
There are different grades or types of corn grits depending on the size and use:
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Coarse Corn Grits
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Used in extruded snacks (also called Ponga, Pola or Lakda), puff snacks, and breakfast cereals.
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Offers a crunchy bite and absorbs flavors well.
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Medium Corn Grits
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Used in namkeen, ready-to-fry snacks, and some baked goods.
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Balances texture and cook time.
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Fine Corn Grits (also called Maize Rava)
- Used in manufacturing Corn Puffs, Corn Sticks & Corn Curls.
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Common in porridges, batters, and some South Indian dishes.
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Offers a smoother, softer texture.
Each type plays a different role based on how the snack is cooked (fried, baked, or extruded).
🍟 Uses of Corn Grits in the Snack Industry
Corn grits are a favorite ingredient for many snack manufacturers. Here’s why:
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✅ Extruded Snacks: Used to make puff snacks, rings, balls, and other shapes through extrusion machines.
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✅ Namkeen Production: Gives crunch and volume to traditional Indian mixtures.
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✅ Corn Chips & Nachos: The base ingredient in tortilla-style snacks.
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✅ Breakfast Cereals: Like corn flakes and grit-based muesli.
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✅ Bakery Products: Used in breads, biscuits, and coatings for a crunchy layer.
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✅ Brewery
✅ Benefits of Corn Grits for Snack Manufacturers
Corn grits offer several advantages that make them the preferred choice in the food industry:
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Consistent Texture
Uniform particle size ensures even cooking and crunch in every batch. -
Long Shelf Life
Properly dried corn grits have a long shelf life and are easy to store in bulk. -
Gluten-Free
Perfect for gluten-free snack lines, increasingly popular in India. -
Good Absorption of Flavors
Enhances spices, masalas, and seasoning blends. -
Cost-Effective
Compared to imported grains, locally manufactured corn grits are more economical. -
Adaptable
Can be used in frying, baking, roasting, or extruding – suitable for every type of snack.
🏭 Why Indian Manufacturers Prefer Locally Made Corn Grits?
India has a strong base for maize cultivation, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This gives Indian snack companies access to fresh, high-quality corn grits at competitive prices.
We at Sushil Trade Com Mandla also offer custom sizes, bulk packaging, and consistent delivery, which helps large and medium snack producers run their production lines without delays.
📦 Final Thoughts
If you’re in the snack industry, corn grits are not just another ingredient — they are the foundation of flavor, texture, and quality in many bestselling products.
Whether you’re making puff snacks, namkeen, or something new, using the right type of corn grits from a reliable manufacturer can make all the difference.
✉️ Need High-Quality Corn Grits?
At Sushil Trade Com Mandla, we manufacture and supply premium corn grits and broken maize across India for the food and snack industry. Our products are trusted by leading manufacturers because we deliver consistency, quality, and value.
👉 Contact us today to request a sample or get bulk pricing.