chaas.
Long before cookies-and-cream whey, Indian people have been consuming a spiced, savory, digestive-friendly protein drink to cool off after a tough day. It was simply called chaas. Now let's see how the tradition compares with modern technology.
Head to the protein aisle and observe what you see: everything tastes like a dessert! Chocolate, vanilla, cookies-and-cream, salted caramel. At some point in time people started believing that protein and sweetness belonged in the same discussion, and anyone not interested in having a milkshake post-exercise was left behind.
India already had this sorted a long time ago. Chaas is buttermilk with spices such as jeera, black salt, mint and ginger is a traditional drink which is not just cool, refreshing and aids digestion. Now Tata 1mg's own house of brands have developed a protein-rich Chaas with 24g Protein and 4.3g BCAA with ingredients like jeera, mint, ginger, and black salt.
Here's what one should know about the product -
|
Traditional chaas |
The flavoured whey shake |
Spiced buttermilk whey (masala chaas) |
|
|
Protein per serving |
~1-3g (a glass of buttermilk) |
~24g |
24g |
|
Sweetness |
Savoury, spiced |
Sweet, dessert-flavoured |
Savoury, spiced - no added sweeteners |
|
Flavour heritage |
Indian |
Western |
Indian |
|
Digestion |
Naturally probiotic (curd base) |
Varies; sweeteners/fillers can bloat |
Added probiotics + digestive enzymes |
|
Best for |
Everyday hydration, gut comfort |
Hitting a protein target, fast |
Protein target in a familiar Indian format' |
'If you have a dairy or lactose sensitivity, kidney disease, or any condition affecting protein metabolism, check with your doctor before adding a whey protein supplement to your routine.
1. Chaas - The Traditional Probiotic Drink Of India
Chaas is perhaps the oldest "functional drink" in India. It is probiotic by nature thanks to the presence of the curds, and the spices help digest the drink, which is also very refreshing and hydrating. However, it cannot be used for a protein intake because a regular serving contains only one to several grams of protein - not enough for any workout, recovery, or even just reaching daily targets.
2. The Flavoured Whey Proteins
The traditional flavored whey provides a solution to the protein problem with 24 grams per serving, quick to prepare, easy to consume. However, some people do not prefer drinking a sweet whey shake and for some Indians it does not match their diet patterns or flavor profile. Some brands that use artificial sweeteners and additives which provide such taste can cause bloating as well.
3. The Bridge - Tata 1mg Ultra Clean Whey Protein (Concentrate) in Buttermilk (Chaas) Flavor
This is where the two worlds meet. Take whey's 24g of protein and 4.3g of BCAAs, and deliver it in a masala-chaas format built from real ingredients like jeera, mint, ginger, lemon and black salt rather than chocolate. Tata 1mg's Ultra Clean range is a good example: the same protein you'd buy as Vanilla Bean or Hazelnut Chocolate also comes as Buttermilk (Chaas), a savoury version with no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, no thickeners and no amino spiking.
It also takes on one of whey's most common complaints that is bloating, in a way plain whey doesn't. A blend of DigeZyme digestive enzymes and 30 billion CFU probiotics works to improve digestive comfort, essentially building in what made chaas gut-friendly in the first place.
So, do you go for chaas or a shake?
Actually, you don't need to make such a choice and that's exactly the point. For those who seek to quench their thirst and provide their gut with what it needs, there's always traditional chaas to fall back on. Those who want to meet certain protein goals and do not prefer the sweet protein flavors can now opt for Tata 1mg Ultra Clean Whey Protein in Buttermilk (Chaas) flavor which will help them meet their protein target in a familiar Indian format.
