What is a drinkable yogurt called?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Globally, yogurt drinks, also referred to as yogurt smoothies or lassi, are well-established as a refreshing beverage. These fermented dairy products are enjoyed for their smooth consistency and tangy flavor, with roots stretching back millennia in some cultures. Understanding what is a drinkable yogurt called and its variations can help you navigate the dairy aisle and choose the right probiotic-rich option for your needs.

Quick Summary

This article explores the different names for drinkable yogurt, from internationally known beverages like kefir and lassi to commercial yogurt smoothies. It differentiates between various types, highlighting their unique fermentation processes, textures, and health benefits, particularly for gut health.

Key Points

Common Names: Drinkable yogurt is also known as a yogurt smoothie, yogurt drink, kefir, or lassi, depending on its preparation and cultural origin.
Kefir is Distinct: While similar, kefir is traditionally made with kefir grains (bacteria and yeast), giving it a more diverse probiotic profile and a tarter, sometimes fizzy, taste compared to standard drinkable yogurt.
Lassi is a Cultural Staple: Lassi is a traditional Indian beverage blending yogurt with water and either sweet or savory flavorings, such as mango or cumin.
Packed with Probiotics: Many drinkable yogurts and kefirs contain live and active cultures (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) that support digestive health and boost the immune system.
Health Benefits: Regular consumption can aid digestion, strengthen immunity, and contribute to overall gut health.
DIY at Home: You can easily make a drinkable yogurt at home by blending plain yogurt, milk, and your favorite fruits or sweeteners.

Common Names and Cultural Contexts

The term "drinkable yogurt" encompasses a wide range of fermented dairy beverages found across the globe, each with its own cultural significance and preparation methods. While commercial products often simply use the name "yogurt drink" or "yogurt smoothie," traditional beverages have distinct names based on their origins and ingredients.

Lassi

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, lassi is a yogurt-based drink made by blending yogurt, water, and various flavorings. The resulting beverage has a smoothie-like consistency and can be either sweet or savory. Sweet lassi often incorporates sugar, fruit, or rose water, with mango lassi being a popular and globally recognized variety. Savory or salted lassi, known as namkeen lassi, is typically flavored with salt, cumin, and mint, and is a popular digestive aid after a spicy meal.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk beverage traditionally made by inoculating milk with kefir grains, which are a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts. The fermentation process gives kefir a tart and tangy flavor, along with a slight fizziness due to the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast. While commercial kefirs are sometimes made with starter cultures instead of grains, traditional kefir contains a much wider variety of probiotics and is typically thinner than drinkable yogurt, with a consistency similar to buttermilk.

Ayran and Doogh

These are salty, yogurt-based drinks popular in Turkey, Iran, and other parts of Central and Western Asia. Ayran and doogh are made by mixing yogurt with water and salt, and sometimes garnished with mint. Ayran, the Turkish version, is especially popular as a refreshing accompaniment to meals.

Laban

In some Middle Eastern cultures, laban refers to a fermented dairy product that can be consumed as a drink, often thinned with water. Its consistency and flavor can vary depending on the region, but it serves a similar purpose to other drinkable yogurts as a cooling and nourishing beverage.

Health Benefits of Drinkable Yogurts

Beyond their delicious taste, drinkable yogurts offer several notable health benefits, primarily due to their probiotic content. Probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms that support a healthy gut microbiome.

Source of Probiotics: Fermented dairy products like kefir and yogurt drinks contain strains of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which help balance the bacteria in your digestive system. A balanced gut can lead to better digestion, improved immunity, and even mood regulation.

Immune System Support: The vitamins and minerals found in drinkable yogurt, along with the action of probiotics, can help strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption may help the body fight off minor illnesses.

Bone Health: Like regular yogurt, drinkable versions are often a great source of calcium and vitamin D (when fortified), which are crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Digestive Health: The live cultures in yogurt help with digestion by adding more beneficial bacteria to your gut. Studies have shown that consuming yogurt with live cultures can improve digestive function and help manage gastrointestinal issues.

Comparison: Kefir vs. Drinkable Yogurt

While kefir is often called a drinkable yogurt, there are key distinctions between the two products. This comparison table highlights the major differences.


Feature	Kefir	Drinkable Yogurt
Fermentation Starter	Traditionally made with kefir grains (bacteria and yeast), though some commercial products use cultures.	Uses a specific blend of bacterial cultures, typically Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.
Probiotic Diversity	Contains a much more diverse range of bacteria and beneficial yeasts.	Typically contains fewer strains of bacteria.
Texture & Consistency	Thinner and more pourable, similar to buttermilk. Can have a slight fizziness due to yeast fermentation.	Thicker and smoother, like a liquid yogurt or smoothie.
Taste	More acidic and tart flavor, with a characteristic tangy finish.	Can be tangy but often sweeter and creamier, depending on the brand and flavor.
Lactose Content	Often up to 99% lactose-free due to the prolonged fermentation process, making it easier to digest for many with lactose intolerance.	Varies, and may not be suitable for individuals with significant lactose intolerance unless explicitly marked as low-lactose or lactose-free.

DIY Drinkable Yogurt at Home

Making your own drinkable yogurt is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy this nutritious beverage. The basic process involves thinning yogurt with milk or another liquid and adding your favorite fruits and sweeteners.

Ingredients: You will need plain yogurt (Greek or regular), milk (dairy or non-dairy), and optional ingredients like fruit, honey, or maple syrup.

Method:

Combine: Add yogurt, milk, and your choice of frozen or fresh fruit to a blender.
Blend: Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the consistency by adding more milk if it's too thick, or more honey for sweetness.
Chill: For best results, pour into bottles or glasses and chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

Whether you call it a yogurt drink, smoothie, kefir, or lassi, this category of fermented beverages offers a convenient and delicious way to boost your probiotic intake and support gut health. From the tangy, effervescent notes of kefir to the sweet and creamy fruit flavors of a modern yogurt smoothie, there is a variety to suit every palate. Understanding the differences, such as the unique fermentation of kefir versus the simplicity of a blended yogurt drink, allows for a more informed choice based on nutritional benefits and taste preferences. As a convenient source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, these versatile drinks are a valuable addition to a healthy diet.

Verywell Health's overview of probiotic drinks provides additional information on the broader category of beverages that benefit gut health, including yogurt drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the US, drinkable yogurt is most commonly marketed as a "yogurt drink" or "yogurt smoothie," with brand names often distinguishing specific flavors or types, such as Greek yogurt drinks.

The main difference is the fermentation culture. Kefir uses kefir grains (a mix of bacteria and yeast) resulting in a higher probiotic diversity and a tangier flavor, while drinkable yogurt uses specific bacterial starter cultures.

Yes, lassi is a traditional drinkable yogurt from the Indian subcontinent, made by blending yogurt with water and various flavorings, like fruit for sweet lassi or spices for savory lassi.

Not all drinkable yogurts are created equal. For maximum gut health benefits, look for products that contain "live and active cultures" and a high number of Colony-Forming Units (CFUs).

Many people with lactose intolerance can tolerate kefir better than other dairy products because the fermentation process consumes most of the lactose. Some varieties are up to 99% lactose-free.

Yes, making your own drinkable yogurt is easy. You can blend plain yogurt with milk, your choice of fruit, and a sweetener like honey to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

Savory versions of drinkable yogurt are known by different names depending on the region. In the Middle East and parts of Central Asia, they may be called laban, ayran, or doogh, and are often flavored with salt and mint.