In the lively neighbourhood of Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, a quaint and vibrant store is reshaping how locals think about ice cream. This charming spot has become a favourite among health-conscious residents and curious food lovers alike, allured by the promise of something refreshingly different. Far from the usual sugary treats, the offerings here are both wholesome and delicious, combining traditional ingredients with a modern twist.

At the very essence of this culinary innovation is a unique concept that brings together age-old grains and contemporary flavours in a way that few have attempted before. The store’s bright and welcoming atmosphere invites patrons to savour ice creams, smoothies, and shakes that are entirely dairy-free yet rich in nutrition.

This is the story of Liki Foods, a venture that has taken millet, a forgotten staple, and turned it into indulgent desserts that are winning hearts across Bengaluru. Behind this is Gautam Raikar, a 43-year-old engineer who left behind a career in electronics distribution to dive into the world of millets.

“I wanted to create something meaningful that connects people to our roots while offering health benefits,” Gautam tells The Better India. “Millets have incredible nutritional value, but have all but vanished from everyday diets. I thought, why not reintroduce them in a form that everyone loves and what’s better than ice cream?”

His journey began in 2018 with a small outlet selling millet breads, rusks, and cookies. Since then, he has grown it into a profitable store focused on dairy-free and nutrient-packed ice cream that is making waves across Bengaluru.

Raised in Shivamogga and educated both there and in Bengaluru, he was always inclined towards entrepreneurship rather than following the tech industry path his engineering degree might have suggested.

“I was part of my family’s electronics distribution business, but I never really wanted to work in that field,” he says. “When I discovered that millet ice cream was almost non-existent in the market, I knew this was an opportunity to offer something different and unique to all dessert lovers looking for a healthier alternative.”

Why ice cream? The ingenious way to win over young taste buds

Millets are known for being rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and other essential minerals. Yet, the entrepreneur noticed a common problem. “Children generally dislike the taste of millets, which limits their consumption. I believed ice cream could be a clever way to overcome that barrier. It is familiar, enjoyable, and suitable for all age groups,” he explains.

The concept began to take shape in 2020 when Gautam initiated an in-depth research and development journey. Over the following three years, he experimented with various millets like sorghum, foxtail, pearl, and finger millet, and paired them with flavours such as chocolate, mango, coffee, and more.

“Every batch taught us something new. Sometimes the texture was off, or the flavour was not quite right,” he recalls, chuckling. “We even ended up feeding some failed........

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