Which millet has the highest protein?

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is distinguished for having the highest protein content among commonly consumed millets, ranging from 11–13 g per 100 g of dry weight. According to data published by ICRISAT and reviewed in Frontiers in Nutrition (2024), foxtail millet also has a superior amino acid profile, particularly rich in stearic and linoleic acids.

Protein comparison among millets:

Foxtail millet: 11–13 g/100 g; rich in leucine, methionine, and cysteine.

Pearl millet: 10–12 g/100 g; higher apparent small intestine digestibility of essential amino acids than most cereals.

Sorghum: 9–11 g/100 g; contains kafirin proteins, unique to sorghum.

Finger millet: 5–8 g/100 g; notable for methionine and cysteine content — sulfur amino acids that support liver detoxification and skin health.

Proso millet: ~11 g/100 g; contains high levels of essential amino acids, though lysine-limited.

Barnyard millet: 6–7 g/100 g; high biological value protein relative to its size.

Little millet: 7–8 g/100 g; gluten-free and easily digestible.

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