Is Shrikhand Good for Health? A Balanced Perspective

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2022 review in The Pharma Innovation Journal, Shrikhand is a nutrient-dense, fermented dairy dessert that offers potential health benefits due to its probiotic content. But is Shrikhand good for health, or do its sweet ingredients outweigh its nutritional advantages?

Quick Summary

An analysis of Shrikhand reveals it is a probiotic-rich, calcium-packed dessert with digestive benefits. However, its high sugar and fat content require mindful consumption, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or weight management goals. Making it at home allows for better control over ingredients.

Key Points

Nutrient-Dense Base: Shrikhand's foundation of strained yogurt is rich in concentrated protein, calcium, and B-complex vitamins essential for bodily functions and energy.
Probiotic Powerhouse: Made from fermented curd, Shrikhand contains live probiotics that promote a healthy gut microbiome, aid digestion, and enhance the immune system.
Sugar is the Main Drawback: The primary health concern with Shrikhand is its high sugar content, which increases calories and can cause blood sugar spikes, especially in commercial varieties.
Portion Control is Key: Due to its calorie density, especially when served with other foods like puri, moderation is crucial for anyone watching their weight or managing chronic health conditions.
Homemade is Healthier: Making Shrikhand at home allows for complete control over ingredients, enabling the reduction of sugar and fat content for a healthier dessert.
Beneficial for Bone Health: The high calcium and phosphorus content derived from its dairy base makes Shrikhand supportive of strong bones and teeth.
Ayurvedic Cooling Properties: Traditionally, Shrikhand is considered cooling and is consumed in summer to alleviate thirst and pacify certain bodily constitutions, as per Ayurvedic principles.

The Core Nutrients in Shrikhand

At its core, Shrikhand is a simple recipe made from strained yogurt, or 'chakka', mixed with sugar and flavourings. This base provides a significant amount of nutritional value. Strained yogurt is concentrated, which means its nutrients are also more dense. Some of the key nutrients found in Shrikhand include:

Protein: A 100-gram serving can contain a notable amount of protein, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and satiety. This helps in keeping one full for longer, potentially reducing cravings for other unhealthy snacks.
Calcium: As a dairy product, Shrikhand is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral vital for strong bones and teeth, and proper nerve and muscle function. Regular intake of dairy calcium is crucial for preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
Probiotics: The fermentation process creates probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. These microorganisms aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system.
Vitamins: Shrikhand contains B-complex vitamins, particularly B2 and B12, which are important for energy production and overall cellular health.

The Probiotic Advantage for Digestive Health

The presence of live probiotic cultures is one of Shrikhand's most significant health benefits. These good bacteria colonise the gut and help restore the balance of gut flora, which can be disrupted by stress, illness, or poor diet. A balanced gut microbiome is linked to improved digestion and can help alleviate symptoms of lactose intolerance, constipation, and diarrhoea. By making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients, probiotics also enhance overall nutritional intake. For this reason, consuming a small portion of Shrikhand can be beneficial, particularly during the summer months when digestive issues are more common.

Balancing the High Sugar and Calorie Content

While the base ingredients are nutritious, the addition of large amounts of sugar is what makes commercially prepared Shrikhand a less-than-ideal health food. The high sugar content significantly increases the calorie count and can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This poses a particular concern for individuals with diabetes or those managing their weight. A typical serving can contribute a substantial portion of a person's daily recommended calorie intake, and when served with deep-fried puri, the total calories and fat increase dramatically.

Homemade vs. Commercial Shrikhand

The healthiness of Shrikhand largely depends on how it is prepared. Homemade versions offer a significant advantage over store-bought alternatives.


Feature	Homemade Shrikhand	Commercial Shrikhand
Sugar Content	Controlled. You can use natural sweeteners like honey, jaggery, or sugar substitutes, or simply use less sugar.	High. Often contains large amounts of refined sugar to ensure a sweet taste and longer shelf life.
Fat Content	Variable. Can be made with low-fat or full-fat yogurt, depending on preference.	Variable. Can be high in saturated fats and sometimes unhealthy trans fats, depending on the brand.
Additives	None. Uses fresh, natural ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavours.	Potential Additives. May contain preservatives, stabilisers, and artificial flavours.
Nutrient Preservation	High. Retains more natural goodness due to minimal processing.	Lower. Processing methods like pasteurisation may reduce some beneficial nutrients and bacterial cultures.

Potential for Therapeutic Use

In Ayurvedic tradition, Shrikhand is valued for its cooling and nourishing properties, particularly in hot climates. It is believed to pacify certain 'doshas' and is a palatable way to consume nutrients. Modern nutritional science, as highlighted in academic reviews, acknowledges its 'therapeutic potential' for improving digestion and boosting immunity. Some value-added Shrikhand products have even been studied for incorporating herbs and fruit pulps to enhance their functional properties.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance

So, is Shrikhand good for health? The answer lies in balance and moderation. The dessert itself, based on fermented yogurt, offers valuable protein, calcium, and gut-friendly probiotics. However, the high sugar and fat content in many versions, especially commercially produced ones, can undermine these benefits, leading to concerns for those managing their weight or blood sugar. For the health-conscious consumer, the solution is to enjoy Shrikhand in small portions and, ideally, prepare it at home with reduced sugar or healthier alternatives. Ultimately, a balanced perspective reveals that Shrikhand is not an 'unhealthy' food in itself, but its overall health impact depends heavily on preparation and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as it is made from concentrated yogurt (hung curd), Shrikhand is a good source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and provides a feeling of fullness.

Diabetics should be cautious due to the high sugar content in traditional and commercial Shrikhand. However, a sugar-free version made at home with a sugar substitute and low-fat curd can be consumed occasionally and in small portions.

Yes, since Shrikhand is made from fermented yogurt, it contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut flora and aid in digestion.

Homemade Shrikhand is generally healthier as it allows you to control the amount of sugar and fat used, avoiding the potential additives and high sugar content found in many commercial products.

Traditional Shrikhand can be high in calories, sugar, and fat, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. The key is moderation and opting for healthier homemade versions.

The main nutritional benefits include high levels of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, along with the digestive advantages of probiotics.

Because of its calorie density, Shrikhand should be consumed in moderation while on a weight-loss diet. Opting for a low-fat, low-sugar homemade version is the best approach.