A2 Milk vs Buttermilk: Which is Better?

A2 milk has created some buzz as being a better choice than regular milk, but how does it match up against buttermilk?

Both of these milks have their own unique pros and cons, with one being better than the other in certain things and vice versa. Now, it comes down to several factors, such as culinary uses, dietary versatility, flavor profiles, nutrition, and more…which means we need to do a deep dive on both of these while setting them up side-by-side! That way, we can see exactly which of these great choices is the better one!

Now, make yourself a coffee or tea, get comfortable, and get ready to learn all about the awesome A2 milk and buttermilk!

Let’s begin!

Comparing A2 milk vs buttermilk

Both A2 milk and buttermilk come from cow’s milk, but A2 milk only comes from cows that produce milk which just contains the A2 beta-casein protein, unlike regular milk and buttermilk, which contain both the A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins.

It’s suggested that A2 milk is more easily digested than milks that contain A1 beta-casein proteins, which can be a hit or miss for some people – if you can enjoy regular milk without any digestive issues, A2 milk likely won’t provide you with a whole lot of additional benefits. 

Now, neither A2 milk or buttermilk is good for vegan, paleo, and keto diets, and both have milk as an allergen – they also both contain lactose!

	A2 milk	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Type	Animal-based	Animal-based
Allergens	Milk	Milk
Vegan?	No	No
Paleo?	No	No
Keto?	No	No

Differences between A2 milk and buttermilk

The main differences between A2 milk and buttermilk are their tastes and textures.

I already mentioned the differences between these two in terms of what beta-casein proteins they contain and how A2 milk has come about, but A2 milk tastes like regular milk, being creamy and slightly sweet. 

Buttermilk is thicker, and has a tangy flavor profile that’s slightly sour. Like kefir, it’s made by adding a probiotic culture to pasteurized or homogenized milk in order to ferment it, giving us essentially a sour milk. 

How to use A2 milk vs buttermilk

You can use A2 milk and buttermilk in many ways, including:

A2 milk:

• Enjoy it as a refreshing beverage.
• Pour it over your cereal and granola.
• Make pancakes, waffles, and other bakes with it. 
• Add it to your coffee or tea. 
• Make delicious smoothies. 
• Put it into your oatmeal for extra creaminess.

Buttermilk:

• Use it for marinades and brines.
• Tenderize meat with it.
• Drink it on its own like kefir. 
• Moisten different bakes like pancakes, cookies, and cakes with it.
• Use it to make creamy dressings and dips.
• Make the many recipes that call for its tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Can you substitute A2 milk for buttermilk?

In most cases, you can substitute A2 milk for buttermilk. 

That being said, buttermilk has a unique flavor and texture that’s often called for specifically in recipes, and A2 milk won’t meet those requirements. On the flip side, you can use buttermilk in recipes that call for A2 milk or regular milk if you prefer the tanginess of it. 

Nutrition: A2 milk vs buttermilk

A2 milk and buttermilk both have high carb contents, and are fairly equal in terms of having good protein sources. Their calcium and vitamin D contents are also similar, and they’re just about the same in terms of sugars. 

A2 milk has a little more fat, and just a touch more vitamin D. Buttermilk also boasts probiotics in it, which is a great plus for overall health.

Otherwise, these two are very similar on paper!

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	A2 milk (2%)	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Calories	120	120
Total fat (saturated)	5 g (3 g)	2.5 g (2 g)
Total carbs	12 g	15 g
Total sugars (incl. added)	12 g (0 g)	11 g (0 g)
Protein	8 g	10 g
Calcium	25% DV	25% DV
Vit D	15% DV	10% DV

How to store A2 milk and buttermilk

A2 milk is best stored like regular milk – in the fridge with its lid closed shut! This will ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible, with opened A2 milk usually staying good for around 1-2 weeks – keep an eye on that best before date!

Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge as well, and can last around 7 days unopened. When it’s opened, try to finish it within 3-5 days for the best taste, although some brands say they can last up to 14 days after opening – keep an eye on the changing texture and flavor to avoid using any spoiled stuff!

A2 milk vs buttermilk: Which is better?

Both of these animal-based milks are great and have their own uses. 

One is not necessarily better than the other, and you can use both interchangeably in most cases. It really comes down to preferences, with A2 milk essentially being like regular milk, and buttermilk having a unique tanginess and thicker texture, and is often used in baking. 

Again, both are great and have their specific uses, but A2 milk takes the overall win for being more versatile in the kitchen and having a flavor profile that’s closer to regular milk, which most people prefer over the slightly sour taste of buttermilk!

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