What Yogurt Do I Use for Mango Lassi?

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient Indian texts, lassi has been a beloved beverage for thousands of years, evolving over time. For modern-day enthusiasts seeking to replicate this classic drink at home, the key question arises: what yogurt do I use for mango lassi to achieve that signature smooth, tangy, and refreshing taste?

Quick Summary

This guide explores the best yogurt options for crafting a delicious mango lassi, comparing plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, and traditional dahi for optimal texture and flavor.

Key Points

Plain Yogurt (Dahi) for Authenticity: Use a fresh, thick, non-sour plain yogurt or dahi for a traditional, mildly tangy lassi.
Greek Yogurt for Thickness: Choose Greek yogurt for a significantly thicker, high-protein, and tangier lassi with a creamy, rich texture.
Adjust Consistency as Needed: Thicken your lassi by using less liquid or a thicker yogurt; thin it out by adding more milk or water.
Dairy-Free Alternatives Available: Plain coconut or soy yogurts are excellent options for a creamy, dairy-free version, with varying flavor profiles.
Balance Flavor with Mango Sweetness: Always use good-quality, ripe mangoes and adjust the sweetness and tanginess to taste, as different yogurts have varying levels of sourness.

Understanding the Role of Yogurt in Mango Lassi

The yogurt is the foundation of a great mango lassi, providing the creamy base and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango. Different types of yogurt will affect the final drink's thickness, tartness, and richness. Choosing the right one depends on your desired consistency and flavor profile, whether you prefer a traditional Indian-style drink or a thicker, more modern smoothie-like version.

Traditional Choices: Dahi and Full-Fat Plain Yogurt

For an authentic mango lassi, many traditional recipes call for dahi, which is Indian homemade yogurt or curd. Dahi is often less sour and has a distinct milky flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet, ripe mangoes. If you can't find dahi, a high-quality, full-fat plain yogurt is the best substitute. Look for one with a mild, not-too-sour taste. The full-fat content contributes to a rich, creamy mouthfeel, which is characteristic of the restaurant-style lassi. Using a thick, fresh curd is crucial for achieving that classic texture.

The Thick and Creamy Alternative: Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a popular modern alternative, especially for those who prefer a thicker, protein-rich lassi. Its straining process removes much of the whey, resulting in a dense, creamy texture that creates a super-thick beverage. When using Greek yogurt, you may need to add a little more milk or water to reach your desired drinkable consistency, as its natural thickness can be overwhelming. Non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt is also an option for a lighter lassi, though the whole-milk version offers the best creaminess. The flavor of Greek yogurt tends to be tangier than plain yogurt, which adds a pleasant sharpness to the sweet mango.

The Low-Fat and Dairy-Free Options

For those watching their fat intake or with dietary restrictions, several alternatives are available. Low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt can be used, but be aware that the final product may be less rich and have a thinner consistency. To compensate, you can add a small amount of heavy cream or a few spoonfuls of canned coconut milk for richness. Dairy-free lassi can be made with plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt or soy yogurt. When using a non-dairy yogurt, taste and adjust the sweetness and tanginess as needed, as they can vary greatly from their dairy counterparts.

Comparison of Yogurts for Mango Lassi


Yogurt Type	Thickness	Tanginess	Flavor Profile	Best For...
Traditional Plain Yogurt (Dahi)	Medium, creamy	Mild to medium	Mellow, milky, authentic	Replicating an authentic, mild lassi taste.
Greek Yogurt	Very Thick	Medium to high	Tangy, rich, creamy	Achieving a thick, smoothie-like consistency and higher protein content.
Low-Fat/Non-Fat Plain Yogurt	Thin to medium	Medium	Balanced, less rich	Lighter, lower-calorie lassi; may need adjustment for texture.
Coconut Yogurt (Dairy-Free)	Medium	Varies by brand	Coconut flavor, creamy	Vegan or dairy-free versions; adds a tropical note.
Skyr	Thick	High	Very tangy, high-protein	Similar to Greek yogurt but often thicker and more tart.

Creating Your Perfect Mango Lassi

Start with the right base: Choose your yogurt based on the table above and your personal preferences for thickness and flavor. Remember that traditional lassi uses a thick, non-sour plain yogurt or dahi, but Greek yogurt is an excellent option for a thicker, richer drink.

Add ripe mango: For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet mangoes. You can use fresh or frozen mango chunks. Alphonso or Kesar mangoes are traditional favorites for their rich flavor and aroma.

Use a blender: Combine the yogurt, mango, and a little milk or water in a blender. Add sweetener, like sugar, honey, or dates, to taste, depending on the sweetness of your mangoes.

Enhance the flavor: A pinch of ground cardamom is a classic addition that complements the mango beautifully. For an extra touch, you can add a few strands of saffron or a splash of rose water.

Blend until frothy: Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy on top. If it's too thick, add a little more milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve chilled: Serve the lassi immediately in a tall glass, garnished with crushed pistachios or a mint leaf if desired.

Conclusion

The choice of yogurt for your mango lassi ultimately comes down to personal preference for texture and taste. For a mild, authentic Indian-style drink, thick plain yogurt or dahi is the way to go. If you favor a rich, high-protein, and very thick lassi, opt for Greek yogurt. With the right ingredients and a blender, you can easily customize this refreshing beverage to your liking. The most important thing is to use a good-quality, plain yogurt that isn't too sour to let the sweet mango flavor shine. Regardless of your choice, a homemade mango lassi is a refreshing treat that's easy to make and a delight to drink.

Learn more about traditional lassi preparation techniques by exploring resources on homemade dahi like this guide: How To Set Thick Curd at Home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The choice depends on your desired consistency. Greek yogurt makes a much thicker, higher-protein lassi with a tangier flavor. Plain yogurt, especially Indian-style dahi, results in a more traditional, slightly thinner, and milder lassi.

It is not recommended to use flavored yogurt. Stick to plain, unflavored varieties to control the sweetness and ensure the natural flavor of the fresh mangoes and spices like cardamom can shine through.

If your plain yogurt is too sour, you can counteract the tartness by adding a bit more sweetener (like honey or sugar) or using a sweeter mango. For a truly authentic taste, traditional recipes recommend using fresh, non-sour yogurt.

To make your lassi thicker, use Greek yogurt, reduce the amount of milk or water, or add less ice. Using frozen mango chunks will also contribute to a thicker, colder texture.

Dahi is the Indian name for curd or yogurt, often made fresh at home. It is traditionally set from whole milk and has a distinct texture and flavor profile that can differ from store-bought plain yogurts.

Yes, you can make a delicious dairy-free mango lassi by substituting dairy yogurt with plain, unsweetened coconut yogurt or soy yogurt. You may need to adjust the sweetness based on the product you use.

Both fresh and frozen mango work well. Fresh, ripe mangoes provide the best flavor, while frozen mangoes are excellent for creating a thicker, colder lassi without adding as much ice, which can dilute the flavor.