Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s state-owned dairy brand Aavin has decided to reduce the sugar content in its plain lassi from 17% to 10%, aligning the product with changing consumer preferences and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines. The revised formulation is expected to reach the market by the end of the month, marking a significant step towards offering healthier value-added dairy products in the Indian dairy industry.
According to sources, the move follows an extensive consumer preference study conducted by Aavin’s research and development team. The BIS prescribes a maximum sugar content of 12% for plain lassi, making Aavin’s previous formulation one of the sweetest in the market.
Industry comparisons indicate that the sugar content in competing brands varies considerably. Amul’s plain lassi contains 11.25% sugar, Mother Dairy 10%, Britannia 12.2%, Milky Mist 12%, while Cavin’s contains 14%.
Consumer Study Favoured Lower Sugar
Before finalising the reformulation, Aavin prepared plain lassi samples containing 10%, 12% and 14% sugar. The products were distributed to consumers across different age groups at the Aavin Ambattur parlour, where participants evaluated each sample through sensory assessment cards.
The study found that the 10% sugar variant received the highest consumer acceptance, followed by the 12% and 14% formulations.
Based on these findings, Aavin’s research and development division recommended standardising the sugar content of its plain lassi at 10%.
Currently, a 200 ml sachet of Aavin plain lassi contains 1.2% fat, 3.9 grams of protein, 22.3 grams of carbohydrates, 17 grams of sugar, 0.8 grams of minerals, and provides 121 kcal of energy.
Officials said Aavin regularly reviews the nutritional composition of its products to ensure they remain compliant with food standards while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
Arokya Raises Milk and Curd Prices by ₹3 Per Litre
In a separate development affecting consumers in Tamil Nadu, private dairy brand Arokya has announced a ₹3 per litre increase in the prices of its milk and curd products. The revised prices will take effect on Thursday, following an earlier price revision implemented in February this year.
Under the new pricing structure:
- Toned milk: ₹57 per litre (up from ₹54)
- Standardised milk: ₹69 per litre (up from ₹66)
- Full cream milk: ₹76 per litre (up from ₹73)
- One-litre curd pouch: ₹81 (up from ₹78)
- 200 ml curd pouch: ₹19
The latest price revision reflects continuing cost pressures within the dairy sector India, even as manufacturers focus on product innovation and nutritional improvements to meet changing consumer demand.