What is shana paratha made of?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

Millions enjoy the convenience and layered perfection of a Shana paratha, a frozen flatbread that is a popular alternative to homemade versions. This article breaks down exactly what goes into a Shana paratha, explores the ingredients of its various versions, and compares it to traditional recipes.

Quick Summary

The core ingredients of a Shana paratha include wheat flour, water, margarine, sugar, salt, and a raising agent for its distinctive flaky layers. Variations like chili or garlic parathas feature additional seasonings, setting them apart from both the original and homemade alternatives.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The original Shana paratha is made with wheat flour, water, soy- and palm oil-based margarine, sugar, salt, and a raising agent.
Flaky Texture: The signature flaky texture is created during the manufacturing process by repeatedly folding the dough, which is then preserved through freezing.
Ingredient Variants: Shana offers multiple variations like Garlic, Chilli, and Onion parathas, which include additional ingredients and spices.
Homemade vs. Shana: Shana parathas prioritize convenience with pre-made, uniform products, while homemade versions offer freshness and full control over ingredients and health factors.
Dietary Considerations: The original contains margarine, leading to higher fat and sodium levels, but healthier 'Light' and 'Wholemeal' alternatives are available.

The Core Ingredients of Shana Original Paratha

The fundamental components of Shana's original paratha are the building blocks that create its signature flavor and texture. Unlike homemade versions which may use ghee and simpler ingredients, Shana relies on a specific blend to ensure consistency and a long shelf life. The key ingredients for the Original Paratha are:

Wheat Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing the structure for the flaky layers.
Water: Used to bind the flour and other ingredients into a pliable dough.
Margarine (Soy - Palm Oil Based): A crucial element for creating the rich flavor and flaky, soft layers that distinguish this paratha. Shana's use of a soy- and palm oil-based margarine makes the product suitable for vegetarians.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added for flavor balance.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the flatbread.
Baking Powder (or Raising Agent): This helps the paratha puff up and become light and airy when cooked.

How Shana's Manufacturing Process Affects Texture

The unique, flaky texture of a Shana paratha is not just a result of the ingredients but also the manufacturing process. The dough is rolled and folded multiple times to create many thin layers. For example, the Lacha paratha variant is coiled into a spiral before being flattened, which adds to its visible layers and irresistible taste. The frozen nature of the product also contributes to the texture, as the freezing and thawing process during cooking helps to separate the layers and create that perfect flaky finish when pan-fried.

Exploring the Varieties: More than Just the Original

Shana Foods has expanded its product line to include a variety of flavored and specialized parathas, each with a slight variation on the core ingredients. These offer different tastes and textures for every preference.

Ingredients of Shana Variants

Garlic Paratha: This version includes added garlic, but retains the base ingredients of wheat flour, water, margarine, sugar, salt, and raising agent.
Chilli Paratha: For a spicy kick, chili flavoring is infused into the layered dough along with garlic.
Onion Paratha: Finely chopped onions and herbs are mixed into the dough to create a savory, aromatic flatbread.
Wholemeal Lacha Paratha: Designed as a healthier option, this variant is made with a combination of wheat flour and wholemeal flour to boost the fiber content.
Homestyle Aloo Paratha: A pre-made stuffed paratha, featuring a filling of potato, mixed spices, coriander, and ginger.

Shana vs. Homemade Paratha: A Comparison

While Shana offers a convenient solution, many enjoy the tradition of making parathas from scratch. Here’s how they compare:


Feature	Shana Paratha	Homemade Paratha
Ingredients	Wheat Flour, Margarine (Soy-Palm Oil), Sugar, Salt, Water, Baking Powder	Whole Wheat Flour (Atta), Ghee or Oil, Salt, Water
Preparation	Ready to cook from frozen, simply pan-fry for 3-5 minutes	Requires kneading dough, rolling, and frying from scratch
Texture	Uniformly flaky and soft due to standardized folding process	Variable, can range from soft and chewy to slightly crispy depending on preparation
Nutritional Content	Higher in saturated fat and sodium due to margarine	Lower in processed fat and sodium, allows for healthier choices like using ghee or less oil
Convenience	Highly convenient, minimal prep time required	Time-consuming process, but allows for full ingredient control
Flavor Control	Standardized flavor across each batch	Customizable flavor by adjusting spices and ingredients

Nutritional Profile of Shana Paratha

For those mindful of their dietary intake, it's helpful to review the nutritional information. A typical 80g serving of an original Shana paratha contains approximately 274 calories, with 14.4g of fat and 30.1g of carbohydrates. The fat content, primarily from the margarine, includes a significant amount of saturated fat. Sodium is also present to enhance flavor. For a lighter option, Shana offers a 'Light' paratha that has over 33% less fat than the original, providing a healthier alternative for consumers. For detailed nutritional data, including ingredients and allergen information, you can consult sources like Open Food Facts: https://world.openfoodfacts.org/product/5030039004767/original-paratha-shana.

Conclusion

In summary, the composition of a Shana paratha is straightforward, centered on wheat flour, water, margarine, sugar, salt, and a leavening agent. This specific combination, along with the company's precise manufacturing technique, results in a consistently flaky, convenient product. While homemade parathas offer freshness and ingredient control, Shana parathas provide an easy, ready-to-cook option for busy households. By understanding what is shana paratha made of, consumers can make informed decisions about their dietary needs and preferences, whether they choose the classic original or one of the many flavorful variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Shana original paratha contains wheat flour, water, soy- and palm oil-based margarine, sugar, salt, and a baking powder or raising agent.

Yes, Shana paratha is suitable for vegetarians as it uses a soy- and palm oil-based margarine and contains no animal products in the original recipe.

Shana paratha is a frozen, pre-made product designed for convenience, whereas homemade parathas are freshly prepared, often with whole wheat flour and ghee, offering more control over ingredients and texture.

The signature flaky texture is achieved during the manufacturing process by repeatedly folding the dough. For some varieties like Lacha paratha, the dough is coiled into a spiral to create distinct layers.

Shana's flavored parathas, such as Garlic or Chilli, contain their respective seasonings, like garlic or chilies, added to the base dough.

While it can be part of a balanced diet, the original Shana paratha is higher in fat and sodium due to the margarine. Healthier 'Light' and 'Wholemeal' versions are available.

Yes, Shana's cooking instructions state that no additional oil or butter is required, and the paratha can be cooked in a non-stick pan straight from frozen.