Forget protein shakes and overpriced detox water. The one drink Priyanka Chopra reaches for every single day is something your grandmother would approve of: a tall, chilled glass of chaas.
The 43-year-old actor, currently filming S. S. Rajamouli’s Varanasi in Hyderabad, told the Mythical Kitchen podcast with Chef Josh that salted buttermilk has become her daily ritual. Not lassi, not a smoothie, but the humble, tangy drink found in almost every Indian kitchen.
The Lassi Confession
Priyanka knew her admission would ruffle feathers. “This will be controversial. Don’t come after me, okay? Not a fan of lassi, because it’s sweet. I don’t like sweet very much,” she said, before revealing her preference: “I like either chaas, which is buttermilk, from Maharashtra or South Indian style buttermilk.”
She added that she drinks it every day on the Hyderabad shoot, where the heat and long schedules make hydration non-negotiable. The clip has reignited a familiar Indian debate: team lassi or team chaas?
Why Dietitians Are Cheering
Nutritionists say Priyanka’s choice is more than a taste preference; it is a genuinely smart habit. “Buttermilk is a powerhouse of probiotics that support gut health, aid digestion, and strengthen immunity, especially important during long, demanding schedules,” says consultant dietitian and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra.
The numbers explain the appeal. Traditional chaas is naturally low in fat, rich in calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, and it has a cooling effect on the body, which is exactly what you need in a heated environment, Malhotra adds. The live cultures in fermented buttermilk feed the good bacteria in your gut, helping with bloating, irregular digestion, and even skin clarity.
Dr Trupti Padhi, a dietitian and certified diabetic educator at Practo, points to hydration as the other big win. Buttermilk’s high water content keeps you hydrated, while electrolytes like potassium and sodium replace what is lost through sweat. Other perks linked to regular consumption include a natural energy boost, healthier cholesterol levels, stronger bones and teeth from the calcium, and better blood pressure control.
Maharashtrian vs South Indian: Which One Wins?
Not all chaas is the same, and Priyanka’s two favourites each have something going for them. The Maharashtrian version is the simpler one: thin buttermilk whisked with roasted cumin, black salt, and sometimes a pinch of hing. It is light, hydrating, and gut-friendly.
The South Indian version, known as neer mor, majjige, or sambaram, gets a tempering of curry leaves, ginger, green chilli, and asafoetida. Malhotra calls this style a notch higher because those additions are carminative, meaning they actively reduce bloating and improve digestive efficiency. If your stomach is your weak point, the South Indian recipe is the one to try.
Make Her Favourite Chaas at Home
You do not need a film-set catering budget for this. A basic masala chaas takes under five minutes:
- Whisk 2 cups of fresh curd with 2 cups of water until smooth and frothy
- Add roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a little regular salt to taste
- Stir in ginger-green chilli paste if you like a mild kick
- Heat a teaspoon of oil, splutter cumin seeds, add a pinch of hing, and pour over
- Garnish with finely chopped coriander and serve chilled
The one caution from experts: moderation. Padhi notes that excessive consumption could lead to digestive discomfort or extra calories from the curd, so one or two glasses a day is plenty.
FAQs
Is chaas good for weight loss?
It can help. Chaas is low in calories and fat compared to most packaged drinks, and its protein and probiotics keep you full for longer. It works best as a replacement for sugary beverages, not as a standalone weight-loss drink.
Can diabetics drink buttermilk?
Generally yes, since unsweetened chaas has a low glycaemic load and its protein slows sugar absorption. Both dietitians quoted here specialise in diabetes care. Still, anyone with diabetes should check with their own doctor before making it a daily habit.
When is the best time to drink chaas?
Midday or with lunch is ideal, especially in warm weather. Many people avoid it late at night because the cooling effect and salt can feel heavy before sleep.
Is lassi or chaas healthier?
Chaas wins on calories and sugar because it is thinner and usually unsweetened. Sweet lassi carries a lot of added sugar. An unsweetened, lightly salted lassi is also fine, but Priyanka’s pick is the lighter option.
Can I drink chaas every day?
Yes. Traditional Indian diets have done exactly that for generations. Stick to homemade versions with minimal salt, and one to two glasses a day is a perfectly healthy routine.
Priyanka Chopra has built a career on making bold choices, and her drink of choice is no different. Sometimes the smartest wellness hack is the one that has been sitting in your fridge all along.
