Frequently Asked Questions

Fonio is a gluten-free whole grain with an ancient history of cultivation in West Africa. It’s traditionally enjoyed in salads and pilafs with sweet and savory ingredients, as well as cooked into a nutritious porridge. 

Cooked fonio grain has a rich, earthy nuttiness similar to couscous, and a thicker, cornmeal-like texture that results in fonio “grits.”

Our instant fonio breakfast cereals are a healthy and nutritious way to start your day—naturally low in cholesterol and fat and a rich source of amino acids, minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, and B vitamins including riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin.

Fonio is high in protein, with five grams per serving, and contains the highest calcium content of all whole grains. This makes it a superfood, and an excellent choice for a hearty, nourishing meal.

Fonio is grown in several sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria, Mali and Senegal. Today, Choputa fonio is sourced from Mali through Terra Ingredients, an innovative agricultural organization located in Minneapolis, MN that’s committed to bringing the highest quality fonio to U.S. consumers.

You can buy Choputa Instant Fonio directly from our website or from our Amazon shop. You can also find fonio grain at health food stores and some international markets and specialty grocers.

Choputa Instant Fonio cooks up perfectly in the microwave, but if you’re cooking fonio grain at home, the preparation is similar to cornmeal. To cook fonio, add a cup of the grain to two cups of boiling water in a pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring frequently, until soft (about five minutes). Season to taste. Enjoy fonio on its own, with your favorite sweet or savory toppings (we love fresh fruit), or serve as a base for curries, stews, proteins, or vegetables.