Ayran is a yoghurt drink produced in Turkey. Ayran is traditionally manufactured by addition of water at a level of 30–50% and salt at a maximum level of 1% to yoghurt. In the industrial manufacture of ayran, milk with adjusted dry matter content is fermented using exopolysaccharide producing cultures and the viscous curd obtained is further diluted with salt-containing water. Ayran is separated from other fermented milk beverages being a yoghurt drink with salt and without any fruit flavoring. The Shelf life of ayran is reported as 10–15 days at 4°C by the manufacturers. Ayran is prone to textural instability during storage due to its low pH as other acidic milk beverages. Main textural defects in ayran are low viscosity and serum separation during storage. Ayran should have a high enough viscosity for good mouthfeel. Ayrans sold at retail in Turkey was found to have upto 30% serum separation (Unpublished data). Serum separation seen in the package adversely affects the consumer preference.