In a surprising twist within the startup scene, a traditional Bihar ingredient is capturing global attention. Sattu, a nutrient-rich superfood, is at the heart of Sattuz, a startup founded by Sachin Kumar in 2018. What began as a local venture in Madhubani is now poised to redefine health foods internationally.
Sachin Kumar, formerly a business development manager in Mumbai, returned to Bihar in 2009 with a vision to transform traditional foods. Noticing the untapped potential of sattu, a popular local staple, Sachin launched Sattuz to innovate and modernize its presentation. His concept was straightforward yet impactful: offer sattu as a ready-to-mix drink, combining convenience with nutritional benefits.
Sattuz initially introduced a travel-friendly sattu drink mix, which quickly gained traction in Patna and Madhubani. The product’s success was driven by its health benefits—being vegan, protein-rich, and easy to digest. Building on this success, Sachin expanded the product line to include three flavors: sweet, jal-jeera, and chocolate, blending traditional sattu with contemporary tastes.
Despite facing challenges, including production slowdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sattuz emerged resilient. The post-pandemic surge in health consciousness bolstered its growth. With funding from the Indian Angel Network and local support from the Bihar Industries Association, Sattuz is set to expand further. By FY25, Sachin plans to double revenues and establish a new food processing plant in Fatuha, which is expected to boost local employment and economic development.
Sachin Kumar envisions sattu becoming a global health food icon, akin to quinoa and chia seeds. His ambition extends beyond business success; he aims to position sattu as a symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and its contribution to global nutrition.
