Buttermilk is fermented milk with lower fat content and works wonders in reducing dehydration and acidity. It has a savory flavor and rich consistency. Buttermilk is primarily used in baking.
Baked goodies attain their ideal fluffiness and rise when buttermilk is added to them. It gives a savory and tangy taste while generating little fats. Buttermilk assists in tenderizing gluten and adds volume to cakes, loaves of bread, and biscuits.
But buttermilk comes with high sodium levels and triggers allergic reactions. Hence, you may wish to look out for buttermilk substitutes to ease your baking endeavor.
6 Best Substitutes for Buttermilk in Baking
This segment features six buttermilk substitutes that are easy to make at home and shall enhance your baking experience. They are both diary-based and dairy-free alternatives mentioned.
Milk and Cream of Tartar
Blending 1 cup of milk with ¾ teaspoons of cream of tartar will form an ideal substitute for buttermilk.
Milk is an excellent source of body-building proteins like whey and casein. Its vitamin K2 and calcium content reinforce our bones and prevent early signs of osteoporosis.
It comes with omega-3 fatty acids that reduce risks related to the heart.
Cream of tartar modifies the pH levels of your urine and curbs urinary tract infection. Its antibacterial properties aid in healing acne, while its anti-inflammatory nature fights edema and agony.
On the contrary, lactose-intolerant individuals shouldn’t consume milk, while the cream of tartar may dehydrate your skin.
Summary
Milk and cream of tartar help in strengthening your bones and protect your heart. They prevent osteoporosis and urinary tract infection while healing signs of acne.
Lactose-Free Milk and White Vinegar
Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of lactose-free milk to replace buttermilk while baking.
Lactose-free milk is still a dairy product but without whey proteins and casein that cause digestive disorders. It has the same nutritional value as regular milk but tastes sweeter than the regular one.
White vinegar assists in monitoring your blood cholesterol and sugar levels and protects your heart from chronic ailments while promoting weight loss.
It comes with antimicrobial effects that inhibit the formation of bacterial and fungal infections.
On the downside, excess intake of white vinegar results in indigestion and heartburn.
Summary
Lactose-free milk and white vinegar reinforce your bones and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They prevent bacterial and fungal activities and curb chronic diseases.
Buttermilk Powder and Water
Fused ¼ cup of buttermilk powder with 1 cup of water and gain a nutritious cup filled with buttermilk.
Buttermilk powder is infused with health-promoting minerals like calcium that support dental and bone health. Phosphorus regulates the normal functioning of the cells and increases your metabolism.
Vitamin B12 generates new red blood cells in the body and maintains normal vision; vitamin B5 increases brain functions while vitamin B7 plays a pivotal role in reducing cancer risks.
Magnesium prevents fatigue and promotes a healthy nervous system.
Unfortunately, like buttermilk, this powder also comes with high sodium levels and triggers allergic reactions.
Summary
Buttermilk powder and water contain minerals like calcium and magnesium, boost bone, dental, and nervous health. Vitamin B variants also support our overall well-being.
Almond Milk and Lemon Juice
When mixed with one tablespoon of lemon juice, one cup of almond milk will provide you with an alternative to buttermilk.
Almond milk is low in sugar and calories but high in vitamin E that combats inflammation. Its calcium source reduces osteoporosis risks. Vitamin D boosts heart and immune functions.
Lemon juice is the most acceptable solution to combat cancers and high blood pressure levels since it aids in lowering and normalizing your blood pressure.
It devastates fungal and bacterial activities due to its antimicrobial properties.
On the flip side, excess lemon juice consumption is associated with citrus allergies and migraines.
Summary
Almond milk and lemon juice fight inflammation and chronic diseases like cancers and osteoporosis. They contain vitamins like C, D, and E that benefit your health.
Cashew Milk and White Vinegar
Stir 1 cup of unflavored cashew milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar to acquire one of the best replacements for buttermilk.
Cashew milk comprises unsaturated fatty acids that are safe for your heart by lowering heart attack and stroke risks. It contains antioxidants like lutein that prevents eye damage.
White vinegar helps regulate your blood cholesterol and sugar levels and secures your heart from chronic diseases while promoting weight management.
It comes with antimicrobial effects that hinder the formation of bacterial and fungal growth.
On the downside, excess intake of white vinegar results in indigestion and heartburn.
Summary
Cashew milk and white vinegar benefit your heart as they lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They have antioxidants and antimicrobial effects on the body.
Tofu, Water, and Lemon Juice
Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu puree with ¾ cup of water and one tablespoon of lemon juice to craft a perfect buttermilk replacement.
Tofu decreases low-density lipoprotein cholesterols and prevents prostate and breast cancers. It benefits individuals suffering from kidney diseases and type 2 diabetes. Soy isoflavones fight osteoporosis.
Lemon juice aids in battling cancers and high blood pressure levels since it aids in lowering and normalizing your blood pressure.
Its antimicrobial effects help in destroying fungal and bacterial growth and development.
Unfortunately, excess lemon juice consumption results in citrus allergies and migraines.
Summary
Tofu, water, and lemon juice prevent chronic ailments like prostate and breast cancers and osteoporosis. They lower your blood pressure and benefit heart health.
FAQs
Vegan sour cream can replace buttermilk when mixed with water to thin its consistency to that of buttermilk—Mix ¾ of vegan sour cream with ¼ cup of water.
Blend 1 cup of peanut milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to replace buttermilk in baking.
Bottom Line
There are no second thoughts that buttermilk softens and volumizes your cakes and pieces of bread, but it’s always a great idea to bear in mind other substitutes if your primary ingredient isn’t accessible at the moment.
We hope you found this list worth reading and could locate your ideal substitute at the store.
Do let us know in the comments section regarding your perfect replacement for buttermilk in baking if we skipped it this time.