Which Roti is Best in Winter? Your Ultimate Guide to Warming Grains

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Ayurvedic principles, seasonal eating is crucial for maintaining bodily balance, with warming grains like millets recommended for winter. This guide delves into the specifics of which roti is best in winter, comparing popular options like bajra, makki, and jowar to help you choose the most nourishing flatbread for the colder months.

Quick Summary

This article explores the ideal grains for winter rotis, including bajra, makki, and jowar. It details their specific health benefits, such as boosting warmth, aiding digestion, and providing essential nutrients for overall wellness.

Key Points

Bajra Roti is the top choice for winter warmth due to its high thermogenic and nutrient-dense properties.
Makki Roti provides sustained energy and is rich in B-vitamins and antioxidants, supporting skin and digestion.
Jowar Roti is an excellent lighter, gluten-free option for those with sensitive digestion or looking for daytime consumption.
Multigrain rotis offer a balanced nutritional profile, combining the benefits of several warming grains.
Serving rotis with ghee is recommended as it aids digestion and adds healthy fats, enhancing the overall nourishing effect.
Seasonal eating supports the body's natural needs, and incorporating these traditional winter grains is a key practice.
Proper preparation with warm water is essential for making millet-based rotis that are soft and easy to handle.

The Importance of Warming Grains in Winter

In colder climates, the body naturally expends more energy to maintain its core temperature. Consuming warming foods that provide sustained energy is a traditional and effective way to support this process. Seasonal grains, particularly millets, are prized for their thermogenic properties and dense nutritional profiles. They offer a slow-releasing energy source that keeps you warm from within, unlike refined flours which can cause energy spikes and crashes.

Bajra Roti: The King of Winter Warmth

Bajra, or pearl millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients and is widely considered one of the best grains for winter. Its popularity in colder regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat is a testament to its warming properties. Bajra roti is known for:

Providing Heat: It is rich in starch, which converts into energy and helps increase blood circulation, thereby raising body temperature.
Boosting Immunity: Packed with essential minerals like iron and zinc, bajra strengthens the immune system to fight off winter illnesses.
Aiding Digestion: Its high fiber content helps regulate bowel movements and prevent common winter digestive issues like constipation.
Supporting Heart Health: The magnesium in bajra helps regulate blood pressure, while its fiber helps lower bad cholesterol.
Being Gluten-Free: This makes it an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Makki Roti: The Comfort Food Classic

Often paired with the hearty sarson ka saag, makki roti, or cornmeal flatbread, is another winter staple, particularly in North India. Makki roti offers a wealth of benefits:

Sustained Energy: It is rich in complex carbohydrates, providing a steady release of energy to combat winter sluggishness.
Nutrient-Dense: Makki contains B-complex vitamins, vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
Promoting Digestion: The high fiber content in makki atta supports healthy digestion and gut function.
Skin Health: Its antioxidant properties, particularly vitamin E, help protect the skin from dryness and oxidative damage caused by cold weather.

Jowar Roti: The Easy-to-Digest Alternative

Jowar, or sorghum, is a lighter, gluten-free grain that is also highly beneficial during winter. While it is a warming grain, it is less dense than bajra, making it suitable for daytime consumption. Jowar roti's benefits include:

Gut-Friendly: As a gluten-free and fiber-rich grain, it is gentle on the digestive system and helps with bloating.
Rich in Minerals: It is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all vital for bone health and cellular function.
Blood Sugar Management: Its high fiber content and complex carbohydrates contribute to a lower glycemic index, assisting in blood sugar regulation.

A Comparison of Winter Rotis

To help you decide, here is a comparison of the most popular winter roti options:


Feature	Bajra Roti (Pearl Millet)	Makki Roti (Cornmeal)	Jowar Roti (Sorghum)
Warming Property	Very High	High	Medium
Nutrient Profile	High in Iron, Protein, Fiber, Magnesium	High in B-Complex Vitamins, Fiber, Antioxidants	High in Calcium, Fiber, Magnesium, Antioxidants
Energy Source	Excellent sustained energy	Good sustained energy	Good sustained energy
Digestibility	Good, high fiber	Good, high fiber	Excellent, gluten-free, light
Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ideal for...	Boosting warmth and immunity, especially at night	Combating sluggishness and supporting skin health	Bloating, sugar control, and gluten sensitivity

The Versatility of Multigrain Rotis

For those seeking a wider range of nutrients, a multigrain roti is an excellent choice. A blend can be created by combining different seasonal flours, such as bajra, jowar, and wheat flour. This offers a balanced intake of nutrients, improves texture, and provides the cumulative benefits of multiple grains. Many organic multigrain atta blends are available that are specifically formulated for the winter season, containing warming grains like barley and millets.

Tips for Perfectly Nutritious Rotis

Use Warm Water: When kneading dough for millets like bajra and makki, use warm water. This makes the dough more pliable and easier to handle, preventing the roti from breaking.
Add Ghee: Serving your winter roti with a dollop of ghee not only enhances the flavor but also adds healthy fats and aids in the digestion of heavy grains.
Don't Overdo It: While nutritious, consuming excessive amounts of these heavy grains can lead to issues like high uric acid in some individuals. Moderation is key.
Eat Seasonal Sides: Pair your millet rotis with seasonal winter vegetables like sarson ka saag for a complete, nourishing meal that enhances the benefits of both.

Conclusion: Your Winter Roti Choice

Ultimately, the best roti in winter depends on your specific health goals and preferences. For maximum warmth and immunity, bajra roti is the top contender. For a lighter, more easily digestible gluten-free option, jowar roti is a fantastic choice, especially for those prone to bloating. And for a classic, wholesome meal, you can't go wrong with makki roti. For a balanced approach, consider using a multigrain blend. By incorporating these seasonal grains into your diet, you can naturally increase your body's warmth and boost your immunity, embracing the cold season with wholesome nutrition. For more information on the health benefits of millets, you can explore resources like Healthline's article on bajra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bajra roti is generally considered warmer and higher in iron, making it ideal for the chilly weather and boosting immunity. Jowar roti is lighter and easier to digest, which can be better for those with sensitive digestion or for daytime meals.

Millets are considered warming grains that generate heat internally, helping the body stay warm. They are also packed with essential nutrients, fiber, and complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy and boost immunity during the colder months.

Makki roti provides sustained energy from complex carbohydrates and is high in fiber, which promotes satiety and can aid in weight management. Weight gain is more likely from excessive consumption of butter or ghee added to the dish, not from the roti itself.

To make millet rotis like bajra or makki softer, use warm water while kneading the dough. You can also mix them with a small amount of whole wheat flour for better binding and texture. Serving with ghee also helps.

Yes, both bajra (pearl millet) and makki (cornmeal) are naturally gluten-free. This makes them excellent choices for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Winter rotis are best served hot and fresh. They pair perfectly with seasonal dishes like sarson ka saag, dal, or a spicy curry. A spoonful of ghee and some jaggery is also a traditional and nourishing accompaniment.

Yes, using a multigrain flour that combines warming grains like bajra, jowar, and barley is a great way to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients. It can also make the rotis easier to handle than a single-grain flour.

Ragi, or finger millet, is particularly renowned for its high calcium content, making it an excellent choice for strengthening bones, especially during the winter season.