It has become habitual for us to ignore good things around us especially what the Government does. The packaged food industry is full of private players and they have made shopping as yet another picnic for the entire family that we seldom give a second glance at cottage industries. When it comes to milk consumption every citizen of Tamil Nadu would have tasted at least one product of Aavin’s. The Tamil Nadu Co-Operative Milk Producers Federation Limited, which currently holds a sizeable market share was established on 1st February 1981. The Ambattur product diary distributes milk in sachets through 52 parlous and 165 Aavin franchise outlets in the city of Chennai and suburban areas. Apart from the usual butter, ghee, skimmed milk powder, diet ice cream, and butter milk which we hoard with pride, the latest addition is their Probiotic sweet lassi (Rs. 15) which we thought only Amul, Nestle and Mother Diary made. The lassi that is suitable for all ages has millions of good bacteria that aids in easy digestion, controls diarrhea, improves immunity and also prevents intestinal infection. The calorific value of Aavin Probiotic Lassi is 121 Kcal per 100 gm. It contains 1.2g Fat, 3.9g Protein, 5.8g Lactose, 16.5g Cane sugar and 0.8g minerals.
I visit the famed Aavin outlet in Adyar, which retains its old world charm, sincere employees and smell of fresh milk. This is not the place to choose if you want to sit solo with your laptop or surprise your loved one but somehow you will not mind the disorderly atmosphere as it has a “welcome home” feel. Children play on the swing and there are a few stray cats and dogs. An employee tells me that animal activists meet here occasionally over a cup of probiotic curd. I sip the lassi and I must say that it gives an instant heavenly shower to the entire body. The taste is rich, not too sweet, slightly sour and has a great texture. On my way back I wondered if I could make the same product at home. But I must admit that I cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria!
Cost for two: Rs. 30
Probiotic lassi at all Aavin outlets, Head office — 044- 2346 4500.