Yogurt Drinks comprise a refreshing category of beverage products created by blending yogurt or curd with water and various seasonings, spanning a spectrum from sweet to savory profiles. This category is primarily represented by two distinct traditional varieties: Lassi, a Punjabi-origin drink that includes sweet versions flavored with mango, rose, or cardamom, and salty versions with cumin and mint; and Chaas, also known as buttermilk, a savory Gujarati and Rajasthani preparation that is typically lighter, more diluted, and seasoned with salt, roasted cumin, ginger, and cilantro. These products are characterized by their drinkable consistency, which is achieved by vigorously churning or blending set curd to break down its thick texture into a smooth, liquid form. Yogurt drinks are valued for their digestive properties, probiotic content when made with live cultures, and their cooling effect, making them especially popular in warm climates. Their primary function is as a refreshing beverage consumed with meals or as a standalone snack, serving to balance spicy foods and aid digestion. Marketed in ready-to-drink bottles, tetra packs, and sometimes as instant powder mixes, the category is evolving with modern innovations such as probiotic-fortified versions, low-sugar and diet lassis, and fusion flavors, while maintaining a strong connection to traditional recipes and regional culinary practices. Packaging often emphasizes natural ingredients and cooling imagery, positioning these drinks as healthy, functional beverages rooted in South Asian culinary heritage.
