7 Delicious And Healthy Buttermilk Substitutes For Your Recipes

In a hurry, buttermilk can be a great substitute for milk. But it can be frustrating to see your options dwindle if you’re trying to cut down on dairy products or if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. It’s handy to know that there are several substitutes for health-promoting dairy products.

A few of these options are even more readily available than the original! Here are seven ways to get your fix when you need extra calcium and good bacteria in your diet without sacrificing a dish using buttermilk.

Plain yogurt

Yogurt is a great substitute for buttermilk. Yogurt can be used in any recipe that calls for buttermilk and has many health benefits. Yogurt contains calcium, protein, and probiotics that help with digestion and immune function.

The probiotics also aid in the prevention of diarrhea or constipation by promoting good bacteria growth in your gut. The only thing to consider when using sweetened yogurt is its sugar content, and that’s when plain yogurt comes in as the solution.

Lemon juice and plant-based milk alternative

Normally, you can use a mixture of lemon juice or vinegar with milk to replace buttermilk in most recipes. However, if you are looking for an even healthier option, try substituting regular milk with plant-based milk. Plant-based milk alternatives are healthier than regular milk because they contain fewer calories, less saturated fat, and more nutrients. They are also ideal for lactose-tolerant people.

For example, rice milk, almond milk, and walnut milk are some kinds of plant-based milk you can try. When mixed with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, the acidity helps break down the almond milk’s proteins, which gives it a similar texture to that of buttermilk.

Plain kefir

Kefir is a great option if you’re looking for a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. It’s made by fermenting milk with probiotic bacteria and yeast. It has a slightly sour taste that makes it perfect for baking or cooking, and the fermentation process also makes it more digestible than regular cow’s milk.

Kefir contains beneficial bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy and vitamins B12 and calcium (often lacking in vegan diets). You can use plain kefir like buttermilk in recipes like pancakes or muffins; make sure to add some baking soda if your recipe calls for baking powder so the batter will rise properly!

Cream of tartar

Cream of tartar is a byproduct of the wine-making process, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try making your buttermilk substitute by adding some to milk and letting it sit for several hours.

Cream of tartar has been used in baking since at least the 1700s. It’s generally used to stiffen egg whites when making meringues or other desserts that require whipped egg whites; however, some bakers have found that adding small amounts (2 tablespoons) helps with browning and flavor development as well! You can also use cream of tartar as an ingredient in homemade ice cream or sherbet recipes to improve texture and consistency.

Buttermilk powder

Buttermilk powder is a dried, powdered form of buttermilk. It’s similar to baking soda in that it can be added directly to your food without dissolving first. You can even use it as a substitute for fresh milk in recipes like pancakes and biscuits!

This is an excellent substitute because it has all of the properties of regular buttermilk (including its high acidity), without any added sugars or preservatives. Buttermilk powder has many health benefits because it’s rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins A & D (which our bodies need for good bone health).

The only downside is that it doesn’t taste quite as good as regular buttermilk; however, if you’re looking for an alternative that still gives you those same benefits, this may be the answer! But don’t worry too much about the taste–you’ll barely notice once mixed into your favorite dish or baking recipe!

You can find buttermilk powder at most grocery stores or online retailers such as Amazon if they’re out of stock locally where you live (or want something more convenient).

Sour cream

Sour cream is a staple in many kitchens. It’s easy to make and can be used for many things! The sour cream will give your baked goods a slight tanginess, which isn’t necessarily bad if that’s what you’re looking for! Just make sure not to overdo the amount used in your recipe. Here are some tips on how to make and use sour cream:

Make your own sour cream by combining 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Stir well, then let sit at room temperature until thickened (about 30 minutes). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Sour cream can also work as an alternative for mayonnaise when making dips or salad dressings. You can add some herbs or spices like dill, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes if you want extra flavor.

Coconut milk and acid

Coconut milk is one of the most popular substitutes for dairy products. It has a slightly natural sweet flavor from coconut and works well in baking and savory dishes. It is also thicker than regular milk so you can use this ingredient to resemble the texture of buttermilk. Try combining coconut milk with an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the tangy flavor.

Many recipes call for buttermilk, but as always, I recommend using something natural like plain yogurt or kefir because they contain good bacteria which is great for your digestive system! If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand or try to look for something healthier, keep in mind the aforementioned buttermilk substitutes.