What are the ingredients in Tom brown Plus?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Pachamama Foods, Tom Brown Plus is a nutritious blend of five whole grains and legumes, formulated by nutritionists and chefs. This comprehensive mix includes a variety of locally sourced ingredients, carefully combined to provide a complete and balanced meal for all ages.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific grains and legumes that constitute Tom Brown Plus, such as maize, guinea corn, soybeans, and fonio. It highlights the nutritional benefits of each component and explains why this cereal is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein.

Key Points

Core Grains: Tom Brown Plus features a blend of whole grains including maize, red guinea corn, fonio (acha), and finger millet.
Protein and Fat Sources: The mix is enriched with legumes like soybeans and groundnuts (peanuts) for higher protein and healthy fats.
Nutrient Fortification: The 'Plus' version is often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, iron, and magnesium.
Gluten-Free Option: The inclusion of fonio makes the cereal gluten-free, suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Preparation and Versatility: It can be prepared as a simple porridge or used as an ingredient for baking, smoothies, or swallow meals.
Benefits for All Ages: Tom Brown Plus is suitable for babies from 6 months old as a weaning food and provides sustained energy for adults.

The Core Ingredients of Tom Brown Plus

Tom Brown Plus is distinguished by its blend of nutritious, locally sourced ingredients. The specific formulation is designed to offer a balanced and energy-rich meal, suitable for everyone from weaning babies to adults. The core components typically include a mix of grains and legumes.

The Grains

The grain portion of Tom Brown Plus provides the primary source of carbohydrates and fiber, delivering sustained energy throughout the day.

Maize (Yellow Corn): A staple grain, maize is a key source of carbohydrates for energy. Yellow corn variety also contains Vitamin A, which is essential for vision and skin health.
Red Guinea Corn (Sorghum): This gluten-free grain is a significant source of plant-based protein and sustained energy. It contributes to the overall nutritional density of the porridge.
Fonio (Acha): Known as 'Africa's Superfood', fonio is a tiny, gluten-free grain highly valued for its nutritional profile. It is recommended for diabetic patients as it helps promote healthy blood sugar control.
Finger Millet: This grain adds to the blend with its high fiber content, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.

The Legumes and Other Components

To enrich the mix with protein and essential fats, legumes are an indispensable part of the recipe.

Soybeans: Included for its high protein content, which is crucial for growth and development, particularly for babies and growing children. Soybeans are a powerhouse of essential amino acids.
Groundnuts (Peanuts): A source of healthy fats, plant protein, folate, and magnesium. Groundnuts support overall health and add a distinct, nutty flavor to the cereal.
Date Fruit (Dabino): Some formulations may include date fruit to add natural sweetness and further enhance the nutritional value with additional vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Benefits

The combined ingredients in Tom Brown Plus result in a porridge packed with a wide array of health benefits.

Health benefits of Tom Brown Plus include:

Rich in essential vitamins and minerals: Provides Vitamin A, B, E, folic acid, iron, and magnesium.
High in fiber: Aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management.
Supports immune function: The rich vitamin and mineral content helps build a stronger immune system.
Energy-boosting: Provides sustained energy release, helping to avoid mid-morning slumps.
Nutrient-dense for all ages: Excellent for weaning babies, growing children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Comparison: Tom Brown Plus vs. Traditional Tom Brown

While both Tom Brown and Tom Brown Plus are nutritious porridges, the 'Plus' version features key enhancements.


Feature	Tom Brown	Tom Brown Plus
Core Ingredients	Primarily maize, soybeans, groundnuts, guinea corn, and millet.	Contains a richer blend including additional grains like Fonio (Acha).
Nutritional Profile	Highly nutritious, but may lack some micronutrient diversity compared to the 'Plus' variant.	Often formulated with a wider range of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Fortification	Varies, depends on the local production method and ingredients used.	Specially developed and fortified with specific nutrients like folic acid and iron for targeted health benefits.
Preparation	May require a longer cooking time as ingredients are less refined.	Many commercial versions are pre-cooked, making them instant and easy to prepare.
Target Audience	A classic supplementary food for babies and the general population.	Marketed for all ages, with specific benefits highlighted for babies, pregnant women, and older adults.

How to Prepare and Use Tom Brown Plus

Tom Brown Plus is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It is often prepared as a porridge, but its powdered form makes it suitable for many other uses.

To make porridge:

Mix 4-5 tablespoons of Tom Brown Plus powder with a small amount of cold water to form a smooth paste.
Bring hot water or milk to a boil and gradually add the paste, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
Simmer for a few minutes until the porridge thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve with toppings like fresh fruit, honey, or nuts.

Other uses:

Baking: Add to bread, pancakes, or waffles for extra nutrition.
Smoothies: Blend into smoothies for a nutrient and protein boost.
Swallow: The flour can be prepared as a swallow meal, similar to eba or amala.

Conclusion

Tom Brown Plus is a modern, enhanced version of a traditional African staple. By combining foundational ingredients like maize and soybeans with superfoods such as fonio, it offers a powerhouse of balanced nutrition. The careful blend of whole grains and legumes ensures it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a valuable addition to the diet of individuals across all life stages. The 'Plus' in its name signifies the thoughtful, nutritionist-backed development that elevates its nutritional profile beyond standard versions. Whether served as a simple breakfast porridge or used as a versatile ingredient, its commitment to natural, wholesome ingredients makes it a healthy and satisfying choice for the entire family. For more information on the health benefits of indigenous African foods, explore resources from organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some formulations of Tom Brown Plus, particularly those containing fonio (acha), are recommended for diabetic patients as fonio is known to help promote healthy blood sugar control.

The primary difference is the formulation. Tom Brown Plus is typically an enhanced version that includes a wider variety of grains and legumes, such as fonio, and is often fortified with extra vitamins and minerals for a richer nutritional profile.

Yes, Tom Brown Plus can aid in weight management. Its high fiber and protein content from whole grains and legumes help promote a feeling of fullness, which can decrease food cravings.

Yes, many modern formulations of Tom Brown Plus that include fonio are gluten-free, making them a safe and healthy alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Yes, Tom Brown Plus is an excellent supplementary food for weaning babies, typically from 6 months and older. It is easy to digest and packed with essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Fonio, or Acha, is known as a superfood in Africa. In Tom Brown Plus, it contributes gluten-free goodness, helps with blood sugar control, and provides important amino acids.

To maintain freshness, Tom Brown Plus should be stored in a cool, dry place. It's best to keep the package sealed tightly after opening and use it within a couple of weeks.