In Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, when someone says “sattu”, they usually mean chana sattu. But walk into a local shop or open an online store and you will also see jau sattu and multigrain sattu. Which one should you buy? In this guide we explain what chana sattu is, how it compares with jau and multigrain sattu, how each one tastes and works in the kitchen, and how to choose the right sattu for your home. We also share what we make at Nath Mills, our chakki flour mill in Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar.
What is chana sattu?
Chana sattu is flour made from roasted chana (Bengal gram). The chana is roasted first and then ground into a fine powder. Because the roasting is already done, chana sattu does not need cooking when you make a drink. You simply mix it into water.
Chana sattu has a light, roasted, slightly earthy smell. It is the classic base for the namkeen sattu drink sold at roadside stalls in summer, and for the spicy filling inside litti.
Chana sattu vs chana besan
People sometimes mix these up because both come from chana. The difference is roasting:
- Chana sattu is made from roasted chana, so it is ready to eat and mix.
- Chana besan is made from raw chana dal, so it must be cooked, for example in pakora batter, kadhi or cheela.
So you cannot use besan in place of sattu for a sattu drink. If you want besan for frying and cooking, see our Chana Besan.
Chana sattu vs jau sattu vs multigrain sattu
Here is a simple comparison of the three common kinds of sattu you will find in North India.
| Type | Made from | Taste and texture | Common uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chana sattu | Roasted chana (Bengal gram) | Earthy, roasted, slightly dense | Namkeen drink, litti filling, sattu paratha |
| Jau sattu | Roasted barley (jau) | Nutty aroma, lighter and smoother | Summer drink, meetha sattu, Satuani festival |
| Multigrain sattu | Roasted mix of grains and pulses | Rounded taste of several grains | Drinks, fillings and laddoos |
Jau sattu
Jau ka sattu is made from roasted barley. It has a nutty aroma and a slightly lighter texture than chana sattu. It is traditionally eaten in summer and during festivals such as Satuani (Mesh Sankranti). Nath Mills makes Jau Ka Sattu from barley that is roasted and finely ground at our mill.
Multigrain sattu
Multigrain sattu blends more than one roasted grain or pulse. This gives a rounded taste that many families like for both sweet and salty drinks. Our Diet Sattu is a roasted multigrain sattu, and its pack lists roasted chana, matar, jau and corn. So if you like the taste of chana sattu but want a blend, Diet Sattu is a good place to start.
How to choose the right sattu for your home
There is no single “best” sattu. It depends on what you plan to cook and the taste your family likes. Use these simple pointers:
- For the classic Bihari-style namkeen drink and litti: pick chana sattu or a multigrain sattu that has roasted chana in it.
- For a lighter, nutty summer drink: try jau sattu.
- For one pack that works in drinks, fillings and laddoos: a multigrain sattu is the easy choice.
- For a family that uses sattu every day in summer: buy a larger pack, but only as much as you will use up comfortably.
Signs of good sattu
Whichever type you choose, check these points before you buy:
- Smell: fresh sattu smells pleasantly roasted. A stale, sour or musty smell is a bad sign.
- Colour: it should look even, without dark burnt specks all over.
- Texture: it should be fine and dry, without hard lumps or moisture.
- Pack details: look for the packing date and the storage instructions on the pack.
Simple ways to use chana sattu and other sattu
All three kinds of sattu can be used in the same everyday recipes. Here are the most common ones.
Namkeen sattu drink
Mix 2–3 tablespoons of sattu in a glass of cold water. Add lemon juice, roasted jeera powder, black salt and some chopped onion or mint. Stir well and drink it fresh. Chana sattu gives a thicker, earthier drink, while jau sattu gives a lighter one.
Meetha sattu sharbat
Mix sattu with cold water or milk and add jaggery or sugar to taste. This sweet version is popular with children.
Litti and paratha filling
Mix sattu with mustard oil, ajwain, chopped garlic, green chilli, lemon juice and salt. Use this spicy mix to stuff litti or parathas. Chana sattu is the traditional choice here because it holds the filling together well.
Sattu laddoo
Mix sattu with ghee and powdered jaggery, then shape it into small laddoos. These are easy to make in batches for festivals or tiffin.
For more sattu ideas, read our Sattu Powder Guide.
How to store sattu
Sattu is a dry flour, but it still needs care, especially in the humid months:
- Store it in a cool, dry and hygienic place, away from direct sunlight, as printed on our pack.
- After opening, move it to a clean airtight container.
- Always use a dry spoon. Even a few drops of water can make lumps.
- Because Nath Mills adds no preservatives, buy a pack size your family will finish comfortably.
Buying sattu from Nath Mills
Nath Mills is a chakki flour mill at 129, Rampur Kalan, Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 224190. We roast and mill our sattu at the mill and pack it with no added preservatives.
Diet Sattu (roasted multigrain sattu), prices as listed on nathmills.in:
| Pack size | Price | MRP |
|---|---|---|
| 500 g | ₹79 | ₹108 |
| 1 kg | ₹159 | ₹215 |
| 2 kg | ₹319 | ₹430 |
| 5 kg | ₹799 | ₹1075 |
Jau Ka Sattu is listed in 500 g, 1 kg, 2 kg and 5 kg packs. Please call or WhatsApp us for the current price and availability.
You can order in these ways:
- Online: open the product page on nathmills.in, choose your pack size and click Add to cart.
- WhatsApp or call: +91 95111 45377 or +91 73985 16177. Send the product name and pack size.
- Email: nathmills0.1@gmail.com
- Visit the mill: 129, Rampur Kalan, Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar, UP 224190.
For bulk or wholesale quantities, call or WhatsApp us for a quote.
FAQ about chana sattu
What is chana sattu made of?
Chana sattu is made from chana (Bengal gram) that is roasted and then ground into a fine powder.
Is chana sattu the same as besan?
No. Chana sattu is made from roasted chana and is ready to mix. Besan is made from raw chana dal and must be cooked.
Which is better, chana sattu or jau sattu?
Neither is better for everyone. Chana sattu is earthier and is the classic choice for litti and the namkeen drink. Jau sattu is nuttier and lighter. Pick the taste your family likes.
Does Nath Mills sell chana sattu?
Our Diet Sattu is a roasted multigrain sattu whose pack lists roasted chana, matar, jau and corn. We also make Jau Ka Sattu from roasted barley.
Do I need to cook sattu?
No. Sattu is made from roasted grains or pulses, so you can mix it straight into water or use it in fillings.