A powdered composition for the production of an acidified milk beverage is disclosed comprising based on the total weight of the composition a) 6-31 % of at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, xanthan, guar and carrageen； b) 48-87% of a milk-based ingredient, and c) 7-21 % of a food grade acid. The composition is the form of spray dried powder, and the sum of the amounts of each ingredient is equal to 100%. A process for preparing a powdered composition for the production of an acidified milk beverage, comprises preparing an aqueous composition containing a milk-based ingredient and a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, xanthan, guar and carrageen； acidifying the aqueous composition with a food grade acid under high shear conditions； and spray drying the acidified solution to powders. The amounts of each ingredients added are, based on the total weight of the spray dried powders, 6-31 % of the stabilizer, 48-87% of the milk-based ingredient and 7-21 % of the food grade acid； and the sum of the amounts of each ingredient is equal to 100%.
