What is lassi?

Lassi and your health

Lassi carries the protein and calcium of dahi, but sweet versions can contain a lot of added sugar, and malai adds saturated fat.

About the sugar:

• The natural sugar in milk and curd isn't the concern; added sugar is.
• Adults are advised to keep free sugars to no more than about 30g a day.
• A tall glass of sweet lassi can use up a large share of that in one go.

How to have lassi

Choose namkeen lassi with roasted jeera, or make a sweet lassi with less sugar and a little fruit for sweetness.

For a lighter glass:

• skip the malai on top
• use toned milk or curd

Treat a sweet or mango lassi as a snack in itself rather than a drink alongside a full meal.

If you have diabetes:

• Plain chaas or salted lassi usually fits more easily.
• Talk to your doctor or dietitian about where sweet drinks fit in your plan.

Where you'll see it

Mango (Aam)Cumin seeds (Jeera)Cow's milkMint leaves (Pudina)Curd (Dahi)