What is Premium Makhana? 4+, 5+ and Supreme Grades Explained

What is Premium Makhana? 4+, 5+ and Supreme Grades Explained

Not all fox nuts are equal. If you have ever bought makhana that turned out small, yellowish or chewy, you bought the wrong grade. Here is what premium makhana actually means – and how 4+, 5+ and Supreme grades differ.

How makhana is graded

Makhana is sized by the diameter of the popped seed, measured in “suta” (units of ~3mm). A 4+ makhana is roughly 12-15mm across; 5+ runs 15-18mm; the largest, whitest pops – sometimes called 6 suta or Supreme – go beyond 18mm. Bigger pops mean better ponds, careful harvesting and stricter sorting in Bihar, where nearly all of the world’s makhana is grown.

4+ grade: the everyday standard

Good crunch, slightly smaller pop. Ideal for kheer, curries and everyday roasting where size matters less. Our White Raw Makhana 4 Plus is this grade – honest quality at a fair price.

5+ grade: the premium sweet spot

Noticeably bigger, whiter and fluffier. Roasts more evenly and stays crisp longer. If you snack on plain roasted makhana, this is the grade to buy: White Raw Makhana 5 Plus.

KUSU Makhana Supreme - largest grade premium fox nuts
KUSU Makhana Supreme – largest grade premium fox nuts

Supreme: the top shelf

KUSU Makhana Supreme is our hand-sorted top grade – the largest, cleanest pops of the harvest. Fewer broken pieces, a fluffier bite, and the grade we recommend for gifting or serious snacking.

How to spot quality (5 checks)

1. Colour: creamy white, not yellow-brown. 2. Size: uniform, large pops. 3. Sound: a sharp snap when broken. 4. Inside: clean white, no dark centre. 5. Smell: neutral, never musty. Premium packs should also be sealed airtight – see our storage guide for keeping them fresh.

Why premium costs more

Only a fraction of each harvest pops large enough for 5+ and Supreme grades, and hand-sorting removes everything broken or discoloured. You pay for selection, not marketing. The difference is obvious from the first bite – and in the calories-per-satisfaction maths of healthy snacking.

Taste the difference sorting makes.

Compare All Grades

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 5+ mean in makhana?

Pops sized above roughly 15mm – larger, whiter and crunchier than standard grades.

Which makhana grade is best for roasting?

5+ or Supreme. Large pops roast evenly and stay crisp; small grades can turn chewy.

Does premium makhana taste different?

Same seed, but bigger pops are fluffier and crisper, with fewer hard or broken bits per pack.