Mango lassi, a refreshing drink made using yogurt/curd and mangoes, has bagged the first spot on a recent list of the Top 16 Dairy Beverages in the World for the year 2023-24. It is a healthy summer beverage that is generally sweet, but you can you can cut down on sugar if you are watching your weight or have diabetes. You can also add some superfoods like almond, chia seeds and turmeric to make mango lassi healthier. Wondering how to mix these superfoods with yogurt and mangoes? Let us tell you how you can make mango lassi with superfoods at home. You can start with these simple mango lassi recipes!

While declaring mango lassi as the “best dairy beverage in the world,” TasteAtlas, which is an online guide for traditional food, shared on social media, “Mango lassi is one of the most popular lassi varieties, consisting of yogurt (dahi) and fresh mango.”

“It commonly includes cardamom, water, and sometimes sugar. The ingredients are combined until the drink is creamy and frothy. Mango lassi should always be served well-chilled. Among numerous types of lassis, this sweet mango version is the most common variety on the menus of Indian restaurants outside the country,” read the citation.

What are the health benefits of mango lassi?

Mango lassi, when made with natural ingredients like mangoes and yogurt, can provide several health benefits, says dietician Ekta Singhwal

• Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and skin health
• Yogurt contains probiotics that help in supporting gut health and digestion

Together, they make a refreshing drink that can also help with hydration.

Mango lassi can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, but moderation is key due to its calorie and sugar content. Having it occasionally as a treat or as a part of a meal can be a good way to enjoy its flavour and benefits without overdoing it, says the expert.

Drinking too much mango lassi, especially if it’s made with added sugar, can contribute to weight gain. Also, people who are lactose intolerant may experience digestive discomfort if they consume large quantities of yogurt-based drinks.

Mango lassi recipes with superfoods

While it is difficult to beat the classic mango lassi, you can come up with its different variations by incorporating superfoods.

1. Mango almond lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup of almonds (soaked overnight)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

• In a blender, combine mango, yogurt, soaked almonds, honey and water.
• Blend these ingredients until they turn smooth and creamy.
• Pour into glasses and serve chilled, garnished with sliced almonds, which can help to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels.

2. Mango chia lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

• Blend mango, yogurt, chia seeds, honey and water until smooth.
• Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to thicken.
• Stir well before serving, and enjoy the added texture and nutritional benefits of chia seeds, which are known to reduce cholesterol levels and improve gut health.

3. Mango turmeric lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

Blend mango, yogurt, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, honey and water until smooth then serve.

Turmeric and ginger add anti-inflammatory properties to this lassi, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for overall health, says Singhwal.

4. Mango spinach lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

Blend mango, yogurt, spinach leaves, honey and water until smooth.

Spinach adds a nutritional boost of vitamins and minerals, making this lassi a refreshing and nutrient-rich drink.

5. Mango coconut lassi

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
• 1 cup of plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/2 cup of water

Method

Blend mango, yogurt, coconut milk, shredded coconut, honey and water until smooth.

Coconut adds healthy fats to this creamy lassi, says the expert.

There is still time for summer to heat things up, but you can always save these recipes and use them when the mango season arrives.