Mille launches India’s first savoury fermented yeast protein in buttermilk format

MUMBAI: Protein just got a little more desi. Mille, the supergrain-focused brand from Wholsum Foods and sister brand of Slurrp Farm, has launched what it says is India’s first savoury fermented yeast protein, packaged in a familiar buttermilk, or chaas, format.

The new product, Mille Buttermilk Chaas Yeast Protein, is designed to address India’s persistent protein deficiency by fitting into existing eating habits rather than asking consumers to adopt Western-style protein shakes or supplements. Each serving delivers 25 grams of bio-fermented yeast protein while aiming to replicate the taste and experience of traditional buttermilk.

The company said the launch reflects a shift in consumer nutrition, where awareness about protein intake is increasing but adoption remains limited because many existing products are geared towards gym enthusiasts or feature sweet flavours that do not align with everyday Indian diets.

Unlike conventional whey or plant-based protein powders, the new formulation uses bio-fermented yeast protein, which Mille says is gentler on the digestive system while offering a complete amino acid profile with a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of 1.0, comparable to whey protein.

The product is available in two pack sizes. A 500-gram household pack is priced at Rs 1,999, while a 38-gram single-serve sachet is available for Rs 169, allowing consumers to try the product before committing to a larger pack.

Explaining the thinking behind the launch, Wholsum Foods co-founders Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik said India’s protein challenge is no longer only about awareness but also about accessibility and consumer preference.

The founders said that while many Indians understand the importance of protein, they are often reluctant to adopt products that require significant changes to their eating habits. They noted that most protein powders sold in India are sweet, despite savoury foods dominating everyday meals. Chaas, they said, is already a staple in millions of households, making it a natural vehicle for increasing protein consumption without altering familiar routines.

Mille Buttermilk Chaas Yeast Protein is available through the brand’s website as well as major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.

The launch comes as food and nutrition companies increasingly develop products tailored to Indian dietary preferences rather than adapting global formats. By combining a traditional beverage with a category-first fermented yeast protein, Mille is betting that familiar flavours may prove to be the missing ingredient in bridging India’s protein gap.