Banana Milk vs Buttermilk: The Ultimate Verdict

Banana milk is a unique option in the vast world of milk – it’s plant-based, as opposed to being an essentially flavored version of regular milk (like store-bought strawberry milk, for example).

In fact, it’s becoming a more and more popular choice, rising in the ranks – but can it rise above buttermilk?

Buttermilk is a popular choice, especially in baking and cooking. It has a very unique taste with a thick and creamy texture, making it a wonderful way to add moisture and texture to different dishes!

Now, we’ll compare banana milk and buttermilk, looking at everything we need to determine which one of these is better! Then, you’ll know exactly which one to choose!

Let’s jump in!

Comparing banana milk vs buttermilk

Banana milk is plant-based, and makes for a great alternative to regular milk. It’s also a great option for vegan and paleo diets, with no allergens at all! Buttermilk is animal-based, and has milk as an allergen. It’s also unsuitable for vegan, paleo, or keto diets. 

Now, neither milk is good for keto diets, as they’re both too high in carbs!

	Banana milk	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Type	Plant-based (legumes)	Animal-based
Allergens	None	Milk
Vegan?	Yes	No
Paleo?	Yes	No
Keto?	No	No

Differences between banana milk and buttermilk

The main difference between banana milk and buttermilk is what they’re each made from.

Banana milk is a mixture of bananas, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon, creating a delicious beverage that boasts a mild banana flavor with a mouth-watering banana bread aroma. It has a creamy texture because gellan gum is often added as a natural thickener, and you can make banana milk at home! 

Keep in mind, some banana milk is made by simply blending bananas with a milk of your choice, and adding things like honey and vanilla extract to add more flavor – always check the ingredients lists!

Buttermilk is more consistent, being made by adding a probiotic culture to regular milk, which ferments it. This is how kefir is made too, and buttermilk shares a thick and creamy texture with a tangy and slightly sour taste! It’s called for in many recipes due to its ability to moisten cakes and other bakes!

How to use banana milk vs buttermilk

You can use banana milk or buttermilk in many different ways to take advantage of their unique qualities, including: 

Banana milk:

• Add to your cereal and oatmeal.
• Mix into smoothies.
• Enjoy it as a standalone refreshment. 
• Use as a dairy alternative.
• Put it in your coffee.
• Bake with it for a flavor twist.

Buttermilk:

• Drink it by itself. 
• Use it for marinades and brines.
• Tenderize meat with it.
• Add its tangy flavor and creamy texture to recipes.
• Moisten different bakes like pancakes, cookies, and cakes.
• Use it to make thick and creamy dressings and dips.

Can you substitute banana milk for buttermilk?

Banana milk is much sweeter and not as thick as buttermilk, so the differences in baking might not be suitable for using them interchangeably. For example, buttermilk is often called for due its specific taste and texture, which banana milk can’t replace.

That being said, you can definitely substitute them for one another if you just want to drink them on their own or add them to smoothies and oatmeal – just remember their differences in taste and texture!

Nutrition: Banana milk vs buttermilk

Banana milk tends to be quite low in protein, with buttermilk having a higher protein content. Banana milk has less calories with less saturated fat, and has a low sugar content as compared to buttermilk – neither milk has added sugar!

You’ll find that banana milk and buttermilk have similar calcium contents, but banana milk has no vitamin D, and isn’t usually fortified in it. Buttermilk, on the other hand, gives you some vitamin D and probiotics!

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Banana milk	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Calories	60	120
Total fat (saturated)	3 g (0 g)	2.5 g (2 g)
Total carbs	9 g	15 g
Total sugars (incl. added)	4 g (0 g)	11 g (0 g)
Protein	1 g	10 g
Calcium	25% DV	25% DV
Vit D	0% DV	10% DV

How to store banana milk and buttermilk

Some companies, like Mooala, make banana milks that are shelf-stable. This means that you can store them in your pantry until you open them, after which you should refrigerate them.

However, some types have dairy or other milks mixed in, in which case they should be stored in the fridge even if they’re unopened. Try consuming it within a few days for the most freshness. 

Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge always, and should last around 7 days unopened. Try to finish them within 5 days of opening for the best results, although some brands claim they last up to 14 days after opening – keep an eye on them, however.

Banana milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict

So, which one of these is the better choice?

Banana milk is a very unique option that can add some special flavor into your life! It’s amazing for smoothies, has no sugar, is plant-based, and has an overall solid nutritional profile!

Buttermilk is perfect for baking, with its unique texture and taste acting as a staple in many different recipes. 

Banana milk tends to be the better choice if you’re using it like you would use regular milk, but buttermilk is the better option when it comes to baking – especially if the recipe calls for it!

FAQs