In the bustling streets of Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, a small dessert brand is redefining how we
look at ice cream. Meet Liki Foods — India’s very first startup creating millet-based, dairy-free
ice cream that’s not just healthy but genuinely delicious.
Founded by former techie Gautam Raikar, Liki Foods is on a mission to make millets cool again.
With creamy scoops made from almond and cashew milk, real fruits, and zero preservatives,
Gautam’s venture proves that indulgence can also be nourishing.
Why Millets? And Why Ice Cream?
Millets – ancient grains like ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and foxtail
millet – are loaded with nutrients. They’re rich in iron, protein, calcium, and fiber, and they’re
gluten-free too. But there’s a catch: people often avoid millets due to their rough texture and
earthy taste.
That’s exactly the problem Gautam wanted to solve.
Instead of pushing people to eat millet the traditional way, he thought — Why not turn it into
something irresistible like ice cream? After all, who doesn’t love a frozen treat?
From Failed Batches to a Tasty Revolution
Gautam’s journey wasn’t smooth. He spent two years experimenting with millet-based recipes in
his home kitchen. Some batches were too grainy, others lacked creaminess. Even the
neighborhood cows rejected his early trials!
But Gautam kept pushing.
He didn’t want to add artificial stabilizers or overdo the sugar. His goal was to keep the ice
creams natural, low in sugar (just 5–12%), and absolutely free from preservatives.
To overcome the texture issue, he designed custom filtration equipment that could retain the
nutrition in millet while making the final product smooth and scoopable — like real ice cream.
Liki Foods Officially Launches
After 200+ trial-and-error attempts, Liki Foods launched in June 2023 with a vibrant range of
millet-based ice creams in flavors like:
● Chocolate
● Mango
● Black currant
● Strawberry
● Vanilla, Guava, and even Jackfruit!
The ice creams are made from nut-based milk (almond or cashew) and come in multiple sizes –
from tiny 50ml cups to 4-litre tubs for parties or events.
Scaling a Dream, Scoop by Scoop
Operating out of a 2,500-sq-ft facility in Yelachenahalli, Bengaluru, Liki now produces up to
50,000 litres of ice cream a month during peak seasons.
Their monthly revenue averages ₹2 lakh, and during festive months or large orders, it even goes
up to ₹4 lakh.
You can buy Liki’s ice creams at:
● Their flagship outlet in Malleshwaram
● Partner stores and supermarkets
● Corporate canteens
● On Swiggy and Zomato
Prices range from just ₹30 for a cup to ₹1,300 for a family-sized tub.
More Than Just Ice Cream: A Local Impact Story
What sets Liki Foods apart isn’t just the healthy ice cream – it’s the heart behind the brand.
✅ Millet sourcing: Gautam buys millets directly from farmer producer organizations (FPOs),
supporting local farmers and encouraging sustainable agriculture.
✅ Inclusive hiring: Liki Foods hires people from modest backgrounds, offering them a stable
income and growth opportunities. One team member, Roshal, credits the company for helping
her lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.
✅ Women’s wellness: Gautam designed some millet smoothie blends keeping women’s health
in mind, especially for issues like PCOS and anemia.
What’s Next?
Liki Foods isn’t slowing down. Gautam is now:
● Experimenting with new flavors like raw mango (kachcha aam) and jackfruit
● Launching millet-based ice cream cones
● Planning to move into a bigger manufacturing unit to meet growing demand
● Exploring partnerships with more cafes, event planners, and health food brands
Final Scoop
Liki Foods proves that innovation doesn’t need to be flashy — it just needs to be
thoughtful. By bringing together age-old grains and modern dessert cravings, Gautam’s brand
is setting a new benchmark in India’s food startup scene.
Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, health-conscious, or just curious — one scoop of millet ice
cream from Liki might just surprise you.
Story Featured on The Marketing Mirror
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