SHRISH JOURNAL
What Is Laddu? A Guide to India's Favourite Sweet - and Andhra's Best Varieties
Laddu (also spelled ladoo) is a round, bite-sized Indian sweet made by binding a roasted base — flour, lentil, semolina, or seeds — with sugar or jaggery and ghee, then rolling it into balls. It is the sweet of celebration across India, offered at temples, festivals, and weddings, and it comes in dozens of regional varieties, from classic rava laddu to wholesome ragi and flaxseed laddus.
Here is what laddu is, the most popular Andhra varieties, how it is made, and where to buy it in the USA.
What does “laddu” mean?
Laddu simply refers to the round, ball-shaped sweet. The shape is part of its charm — easy to offer to a deity, gift in a box, or share by hand — which is why laddu is the default sweet for auspicious moments, from housewarmings to exam results and weddings.
Why laddu matters — the sweet of celebration
No Indian celebration feels complete without laddu. It is the first sweet reached for at housewarmings, weddings, festivals, and every piece of good news — offered to guests, shared with neighbours, and packed into gift boxes. Every region of India has its own beloved homestyle varieties, and Andhra Pradesh is especially rich in them.
Popular types of laddu
- Rava Laddu: semolina roasted in ghee with cashew and cardamom — soft, melt-in-mouth, and the everyday favourite.
- Sunnundalu (Urad Dal Laddu): an Andhra classic made from roasted urad dal, ghee, and sugar or jaggery — nutty and protein-rich.
- Ragi Laddu: made with finger millet — wholesome, earthy, and rich in iron and fibre.
- Flaxseed Laddu (Avise Laddu): a modern, wellness-minded laddu rich in omega-3 and fibre.
- Tokkudu Laddu (Bandar Laddu): the celebrated laddu of Bandar (Machilipatnam) — soft, ghee-rich, and melt-in-mouth.
How laddu is made
The method varies by type, but the idea is the same: roast the base — semolina, dal, millet, or seeds — in ghee until fragrant, prepare a sugar or jaggery binding, fold in nuts and cardamom, then shape the warm mixture into round balls by hand before it sets. Getting the mixture to hold its shape without becoming dry or too dense is where experience shows.
Are laddus healthy?
It depends on the type. Traditional rava laddus are indulgent treats. The ragi and flaxseed varieties lean wholesome, built on nutrient-dense millet and seeds. All are still sweets, so they are best enjoyed in moderation — but the millet- and seed-based laddus are a smart way to satisfy a sweet craving.
How to store laddu
Laddus travel and keep well — part of why they are such a popular gift. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and enjoy them within the shelf life on the pack.
Laddu vs kaja vs putharekulu
Laddu is the round, bound sweet ball described here. Kaja is the crisp, deep-fried, syrup-soaked sweet from Kakinada and Tapeswaram. Putharekulu is the paper-thin, wrapped sweet from Atreyapuram. Together they make a classic Andhra sweet box.
Where to buy authentic Andhra laddu in the USA
Shrish makes small-batch, handmade laddus — rava, ragi, flaxseed, tokkudu, and sunnundalu — and ships them across the USA, with local pickup in the Richmond, VA area, in 250g or 500g packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laddu made of?
A roasted base — semolina, lentil, millet, or seeds — bound with sugar or jaggery and ghee, then rolled into balls. Nuts and cardamom are common additions. The exact ingredients depend on the variety.
Is laddu healthy?
It depends on the type. Ragi (finger millet) and flaxseed laddus are built on nutrient-dense millet and seeds, while classic rava laddus are richer treats. All are sweets and are best enjoyed in moderation.
What is the difference between rava laddu and sunnundalu?
Rava laddu is made from ghee-roasted semolina, while sunnundalu is made from roasted urad dal, which makes it nuttier and more protein-rich.
Which laddu is best for gifting?
Rava laddu and sunnundalu are classic crowd-pleasers for gifting, while ragi and flaxseed laddus are ideal for health-conscious recipients.
Can I buy authentic Andhra laddu online in the USA?
Yes. Shrish ships rava, ragi, flaxseed, and tokkudu laddu plus sunnundalu across the USA, with local pickup in Richmond, VA.