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Image of Fonio griain for brewing, in a circular layout.

Fonio Grain

by SoCal Brewing Supply
$0.25 - $159.99
$0.25
$0.25 - $159.99
$0.25

We sell grain in one-ounce increments (16 oz = 1 lb) and by bulk bag. When adding grain, select the Recipe # (1, 2, or 3) using the radio buttons to assign it to a specific recipe. We’ll accurately weigh your order and combine all grains assigned to the same recipe into one labeled bag. If you’d like any grain kept separate, choose “Keep Separate” or note it in Cart Notes. Milling is available on request, simply check the appropriate checkbox below. View our Grain Ordering Guide here to learn more.
Grain Specifications:

  • Maltster: SoCal Brewing Supply

  • Grain Type:

  • Lovibond:

  • Category:

  • Notes:

A Unique Ancient Grain with Modern Brewing Potential

Fonio is an ancient West African grain gaining popularity for its versatility in brewing. With its tiny size and naturally gluten-free properties, Fonio offers a light, nutty character that works well in experimental beer styles, gluten-reduced recipes, and as a specialty adjunct in lagers, saisons, and farmhouse ales.

Key Characteristics:

  • Flavor Profile: Subtle nuttiness with a clean, neutral finish
  • Color Contribution: Very light SRM, similar to white rice or millet
  • Usage Rate: Up to 40% of the grist; higher use may require rice hulls for lautering
  • Enzymatic Power: Low—requires enzymatic base malts or exogenous enzymes
  • Gluten Content: Naturally gluten-free (not certified)

Brewing Applications:

  • Gluten-Reduced Brewing: Excellent for brewers seeking gluten alternatives
  • Experimental Styles: Great for unique saisons, hazy styles, and hybrid beers
  • Adjunct Grain: Adds complexity in lagers, light ales, and historical beer recreations

Packaging Options:

  • Available by the ounce for recipe flexibility
  • Also sold in 50 lb bulk bags for production-scale brewing

Whether you're experimenting with ancient grains or looking for gluten-reduced options, Fonio offers a new dimension to modern craft brewing. The size of this grain is extremely small, we recommend the addition of rice hulls to promote successful sparging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer grain milling services?

Yes, we provide grain milling services free of charge before shipping. To have your grain milled, please select the "Yes, please mill my grain" option on each grain product before adding it to your cart. We use a high-end, 3-roller mill from Spike, set to a standard gap of 4.5, which achieves optimal cracking while minimizing excessive flour. If you prefer a coarser or finer mill, leave a note in the shopping cart, and we’ll adjust it to your preference.

If we notice that most grains were selected for milling but a few were not, we will assume it was an oversight and mill all of them. If your intention is different, please clarify in the shopping cart notes section.

How do you ensure accuracy when weighing grains?

We take great care to ensure that you receive the correct grains in the exact quantities needed for your recipe. Our multi-step process ensures precision, starting with weighing each grain type individually to an accuracy of 0.08 ounces. After that, we perform a final check by weighing the combined total to confirm accuracy. Your total grain weight will always be slightly over the ordered amount, never under, and always within an acceptable range for even the most detail-oriented brewers (like ourselves).

How are grains packaged before shipment?

We provide a convenient recipe-building tool to streamline the process for you, our team, and the environment. We encourage you to use this tool to build your recipes, ensuring you get exactly what you’ve ordered in the correct quantities. By combining all the grains for a single recipe into one bag, we help speed up your brew day, reduce packaging waste, and save time during order fulfillment. Rest assured, we prioritize accuracy when measuring and packing your grains.