Why do people drink salty yogurt?
In many Middle Eastern cultures, people drink a savory yogurt beverage called Ayran to stay hydrated.
While Westerners often eat yogurt as a sweet snack, cultures in Turkey, Iran, and the Levant enjoy it as a salty drink. Ayran is made by whisking yogurt with water and sea salt, often garnished with dried mint. This refreshing drink replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat in hot climates and provides probiotics that aid digestion after heavy meals. It is traditionally served in chilled copper mugs to keep it ice-cold during the desert heat.
Nerd Mode
Ayran has been a staple of Turkic culture since at least 1000 BCE, with historical records suggesting it was developed by nomadic tribes to preserve yogurt and make it more palatable. The drink is scientifically recognized as an effective oral rehydration solution because it contains a precise balance of water, sodium, and protein. In regions where temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), the salt in Ayran helps the body retain water and prevents hyponatremia, a condition caused by low sodium levels.The beverage is particularly popular in Turkey, where it was officially declared the national drink in 2013 by the Prime Minister. Beyond hydration, the Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria found in the yogurt base support the gut microbiome. Research published in the Journal of Dairy Science indicates that these probiotics can mitigate the effects of spicy foods by neutralizing capsaicin and soothing the stomach lining.The traditional use of copper mugs is not just for aesthetics but for thermal conductivity. Copper cools down almost instantly when it touches cold liquid, creating a frosty exterior that helps maintain the drink's temperature through heat transfer. Today, Ayran remains a multi-billion dollar industry in the Middle East and Central Asia, serving as a healthy, sugar-free alternative to carbonated soft drinks.
Verified Fact
FP-0009370 · Feb 21, 2026