Chaas (buttermilk): what it means, in plain words

Written by Poshan Labs. Sources are named on the page. Last updated 26 October 2026.

Chaas: Indian buttermilk, dahi whisked with plenty of water and usually seasoned with roasted jeera, salt, mint, ginger or curry leaves.

Chaas and your health

Because it's mostly water, chaas is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, and it carries a little of the protein and calcium from the dahi it's made from.

It's far lighter than:

lassi
cold drinks
packaged juices

So it's a useful swap if you're trying to cut sugar or calories. Many people also find a glass with lunch settling on a hot day.

How to have chaas

Make chaas at home from plain dahi and keep the salt light. Flavour it instead with:

jeera
pudina
ginger
a tadka of curry leaves

Have it with a meal or as an afternoon drink in place of soft drinks or sweetened juices.

Keep in mind:

Packaged masala chaas often has added salt, so check the label if you're watching your blood pressure.
Your fluid needs go up in hot weather or when you're active, so keep water handy too.
Pale yellow urine is a good sign you're drinking enough.