Brazil nut milk is another amazing thing coming out of Brazil, along with the Amazon forest, Christ the Redeemer, Carnival, Brazil nut butter, and vibrant cities.
It’s tasty, rich, and dairy-free, making it a great alternative to something like regular milk. It can be a little tricky finding it at the store, but it’s slowly getting more and more popular so we hope to be seeing it more often soon – or, you can easily make your own!
But, how does it compare against the popular buttermilk?
Buttermilk is a tried-and-true type of milk that’s massively popular in the baking community. It provides a unique flavor and a great texture that adds a special dimension to many dishes!
We’ll compare these two great options, discussing everything about them to ultimately determine which one is better!
Let’s begin!
Comparing Brazil nut milk vs buttermilk
Brazil nut milk is becoming increasingly popular in the vegan community, and can even fit in paleo and keto diets. It is plant-based, and Brazil nuts are tree nuts although they’re technically considered seeds – Brazil nut milk has tree nuts an allergen, so keep an eye on that!
Buttermilk is animal-based, and has milk as an allergen. Unfortunately, it doesn’t fit into vegan, paleo, or keto diets.
| Brazil nut milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | |
| Type | Plant-based (brazil nut is technically a seed!) | Animal-based |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Milk |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
| Paleo? | Likely, if made with paleo-friendly ingredients | No |
| Keto? | Likely, if made with keto-friendly ingredients | No |
Differences between Brazil nut milk and buttermilk
The main difference between Brazil nut milk and buttermilk is what they’re made from.
Brazil nut milk is made by blending the buttery and rich Brazil nuts down with water. This creates a nutty flavor profile with a creamy texture – which is quite similar to cashew milk! It has an overall milder flavor profile that also boasts some tones similar to earthy toasted oats.
Buttermilk is made by adding a probiotic culture to regular milk, which ferments it. It boasts a thicker texture than Brazil nut milk, and is also creamy. Buttermilk has a tangy and slightly sour taste that is often called for in recipes – it also has the ability to moisten cakes and bakes really well!
How to use Brazil nut milk vs buttermilk
You can use Brazil nut milk or buttermilk in different ways that suit your needs, like:
Brazil nut milk:
- Use as a dairy-free alternative.
- Add a nutty flavor into your coffee.
- Mix into your smoothies and oatmeal for a creamy addition.
- Pour over cereal.
- Enjoy it as a standalone refreshment.
- Add it to puddings and ice creams for a velvety texture.
Buttermilk:
- Drink it by itself like kefir.
- 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 Brazil nut milk for buttermilk?
Both milks boast creamy properties which makes it easier to use them interchangeably, but buttermilk is thicker, and they each sport very different flavor profiles.
In recipes that call for buttermilk, I recommend you keep it rather than substituting it out due to its distinct taste and texture, and the effect that it has on bakes in terms of adding moisture. Brazil nut milk also has a nuttier flavor profile, which you can absolutely experiment with in things like pancakes, waffles, smoothies, etc.
Nutrition: Brazil nut milk vs buttermilk
The nutritional values for Brazil nut milk aren’t really available at the moment, but we know that it’s quite low in carbs, and sports a solid protein content. It also has selenium, which is an important mineral that supports thyroid and cognitive health!
Brazil nut milk is also higher in calories than buttermilk is, and very high in total fat! Buttermilk, on the other hand, is higher in carbs, and boasts a better protein content. We also know that buttermilk has a good calcium and vitamin D content, but also has a hefty amount of sugar.
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Brazil nut milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) |
| Calories | 219 | 120 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 22 g (? g) | 2.5 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 4 g | 15 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | ? | 11 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 5 g | 10 g |
| Calcium | ? | 25% DV |
| Vit D | ? | 10% DV |
How to store Brazil nut milk and buttermilk
You should store Brazil nut milk based on the best-before dates and specific storage instructions that are on any packaged varieties you might find, but it’s more likely that you’ll have to make your own because it’s so difficult to find in stores. The homemade versions should be stored in the fridge and used within 5 days.
Buttermilk should be stored in the refrigerator, and will last you around 7 days unopened. Try to finish it within 5 days of opening for the most freshness – some brands claim they last up to 14 days after opening, but take that with a grain of salt!
Brazil nut milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict
So, which one of these should you choose?
Brazil nut milk offers a deliciously creamy texture with a great nutty flavor profile, and boasts some great nutritional characteristics. However, it can be quite difficult to find, so you’ll likely have to make your own.
Buttermilk has a thick and creamy texture with a very unique flavor profile. It’s used in baking to add moisture, and can’t easily be replaced.
I recommend you try Brazil nut milk out, but buttermilk takes the win simply for being much more accessible, and for being a staple in many recipes.
FAQs
It comes down to preference, as both milks do certain things well. Brazil nut milk offers a great flavor and creamy texture, while buttermilk is amazing for cooking and baking.
You’ll find health benefits and drawbacks in many different types of milk, so check them out to find one that fits your needs – or talk to a health professional!
Buttermilk is fermented and provides a tangy, slightly sour taste and has a thicker texture. It also has less fat and slightly more protein, and is better used for adding moisture to bakes.
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