MILK-BASED REFRESHING BEVERAGES: CLASSIFICATION, NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS AND COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER BEVERAGE TYPES

Abstract

Milk-based refreshing beverages represent an important category of functional food products due to their high nutritional value, natural composition, and beneficial physiological effects. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the main types of milk-based refreshing beverages, including ayran, yogurt-based drinks, kefir, and whey-based beverages. Particular attention is given to their chemical composition, probiotic potential, and role in supporting human health. In addition, a comparative evaluation is conducted between milk-based beverages and conventional non-alcoholic drinks, such as carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages. The study demonstrates that milk-based refreshing beverages possess significant advantages in terms of nutritional density, biological activity, and long-term health benefits, thereby justifying their growing relevance in modern dietary systems and functional food development.