Bliss Body, a company that started with the idea of creating a drink that doesn’t just quench thirst but nourishes the soul. It’s innovative product fermented health drink has gained wide range acceptability amid it’s positive health effects. Bliss Body combines the ancient goodness of millet with modern fermentation techniques to provide digestive relief, immunity support, and energy without any added sugar. Pawan Lohani, Senior Sub-Editor at Standpoint Media interacted with Sailesh Ganduri Founder – Famnutra & Bliss Body Functional Beverages in an E-Interview to discuss the technical aspect of the product and its current acceptability.
Bliss Body has become the first company in India to offer millet-based functional drinks. What are the factors that made you launch this drink in India?
Bliss Body was launched with the vision of providing a healthier alternative to sugar-loaded beverages. India has a rich tradition of using millets, which are nutritious and sustainable. However, modern lifestyles have led to the rise of digestive issues, diabetes, and lifestyle disorders. We wanted to bridge the gap between tradition and modern wellness by creating a millet-based fermented drink that not only tastes great but also improves gut health, provides digestive relief, and supports immunity. Given India’s increasing focus on health-conscious consumption and the growing demand for functional foods, we believed this was the right time to introduce Bliss Body to the Indian market.
Fermented millet foods are nutritious, and sustainable, and can help with gut health, metabolism, and immunity. How are millet-based fermented functional drinks made? What innovations did your company inculcate in designing this drink?
Bliss Body is crafted using a proprietary fermentation process that germinates foxtail millet and ferments it to enhance its nutritional profile. We add authentic spray-dried fruit powders after fermentation to maintain taste and nutritional integrity. Our innovation lies in balancing the fermentation process to maximize probiotic content, ensuring digestive benefits while maintaining a refreshing taste. Additionally, Bliss Body is sugar-free, making it suitable for diabetics and health-conscious individuals. The use of glass bottles also reflects our commitment to sustainability.
What are the nutritional benefits of fermented millet-based functional drinks?
Bliss Body offers a host of nutritional benefits. Fermented millets are rich in Vitamin B, which plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and improving nutrient absorption. The fermentation process enhances the bioavailability of minerals, boosts probiotic content for better gut health, and supports immunity. Our drinks also provide antioxidant protection through millet-based polyphenols and flavonoids, helping combat oxidative stress. The result is a functional beverage that not only aids digestion but also promotes a lighter, more energetic feeling.
Millet protein has a lower digestibility than other grains, and it contains anti-nutritional factors that can reduce the bioavailability of minerals. What innovations have you made to counter this challenge?
We addressed these challenges by developing a unique germination and fermentation process. Germination activates enzymes that break down anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid, while fermentation further enhances mineral bioavailability and protein digestibility. Our proprietary process ensures that the nutrients in millet are easily absorbed by the body. Additionally, the presence of natural probiotics in Bliss Body supports better digestion and nutrient absorption, turning millet’s inherent challenges into strengths.
A range of functional drinks is already present in the Indian market. How do you see the adaptability of your product in the Indian market?
Bliss Body stands out because it caters to the evolving needs of Indian consumers who are seeking healthy, sugar-free alternatives. Unlike other functional drinks, Bliss Body combines the ancient goodness of millet with modern fermentation techniques to provide digestive relief, immunity support, and energy without any added sugar. The positive response from both adults and children during our tasting campaigns shows that Indian consumers are ready for such innovative products. We believe that as awareness around gut health and lifestyle wellness grows, Bliss Body will become a preferred choice in the Indian market.
According to your product’s details, these drinks are sugar-free. Are these drinks advisable for consumption by diabetes or prediabetes patients?
Absolutely. Bliss Body is designed as a sugar-free functional drink, making it an ideal choice for diabetics and prediabetics. The fermentation process naturally enhances sweetness without the need for added sugars, ensuring that the drink remains delicious yet safe for those managing their blood sugar levels. Additionally, the presence of dietary fiber and probiotics helps regulate metabolism and supports gut health, both crucial for diabetic wellness.
Bliss Body has innovated different flavors of millet-based functional drinks. What is the customer response in India? What are your plans to expand globally?
The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Pineapple, Mango, and Orange flavors have been appreciated for their refreshing taste and health benefits. Customers love that Bliss Body is sugar-free yet sweet, provides relief from bloating, and gives a light and energetic feeling. Children enjoy the taste, while adults value the digestive relief and energy boost.
Globally, there’s a growing demand for functional beverages that promote gut health. We plan to expand into international markets by collaborating with distributors and retailers, starting with countries where health and wellness trends are prominent. Our long-term vision is to establish Bliss Body as a global brand representing Indian innovation in health and wellness.
The Honorable Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi, has run many campaigns that led the United Nations to declare 2023 the International Year of Millets. It has helped in promoting ‘Dryland Crops’ on the international stage. What types of support did you get from the state and central government?
We are grateful for the support from both state and central government initiatives that promote millet-based innovations. Bliss Body received a grant of ₹50 lakhs from BIRAC, Government of India, which was instrumental in scaling our production and marketing efforts. Programs like Global Bio India and Agri Udaan have provided us with platforms to showcase our products, connect with investors, and receive mentorship. The government’s push for millet on the global stage has opened new avenues for companies like ours to innovate and contribute to healthier lifestyles while supporting sustainable agriculture.