Trying to choose between buttermilk and almond milk? It’s a classic showdown between creamy goodness and nutty subtlety.
Well, fear not, because I’m here to break it all down for you and help you make the ultimate decision: Buttermilk or almond milk? Let’s dive right in!
Comparing buttermilk vs almond milk
| Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | Almond milk | |
| Type | Animal-based | Plant-based (nut milk) |
| Common allergens | Milk | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | No | Yes |
| Paleo? | No | Yes |
| Keto? | No | Yes |
Differences between buttermilk and almond milk
Buttermilk is a dairy product traditionally made from the liquid left over after churning butter from cream. Today it’s made by adding probiotics to regular milk. It has a tangy flavor and thicker consistency due to the presence of lactic acid. It can trigger dairy allergies or lactose intolerance in some individuals.
Almond milk, on the other hand, is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk made by blending almonds with water and straining out the solids. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a thinner consistency compared to dairy milk. Almond milk is suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
How to use buttermilk vs almond milk
Here’s how I recommend using buttermilk and almond milk:
Buttermilk:
- Baked goods like biscuits, scones, and muffins
- Pancake and waffle batter
- Base for marinades to tenderize meats
- Creamy salad dressings (coleslaw)
- Crispy fried chicken and other battered goodies like these buffalo chicken tenders
Almond Milk:
- Cereal
- Smoothies
- Lattes or cappuccinos
- Dairy-free baking recipes
- Oatmeal
Can you substitute buttermilk for almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for almond milk in recipes, but keep in mind that buttermilk is tangy and thicker, which can affect the taste and texture.
Consider adding a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice to almond milk as a substitute for the tanginess of buttermilk in recipes that require that flavor profile.
Nutrition: Buttermilk vs almond milk
Nutritionally, these two beverages are quite distinct.
Buttermilk is a good source of protein, providing 10 grams of protein per serving compared to 1 gram per serving of almond milk. Coming from cow’s milk, buttermilk naturally contains calcium but also contains saturated fat and cholesterol. It also contains more sugar than unsweetened almond milk and contains 15 grams of carbs per cup in the form of lactose, making buttermilk one of the worst milks for keto.
Almond milk, on the other hand, is lower in calories and saturated fat. It’s completely keto-friendly and it’s often fortified with extra nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
| Per cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | 120 | 2.5 g (2 g) | 15 g | 11 g (0 g) | 10 g | 25% DV | 10% DV |
| Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
How to store buttermilk and almond milk
To store buttermilk, keep it refrigerated in its original container with the cap tightly sealed. It’s important to note the expiration date on the container, which typically gives you a good estimate of its shelf life.
For almond milk, store it in the refrigerator as well. The shelf life of almond milk can vary depending on whether it’s homemade or store-bought. Homemade almond milk may last about 4-5 days, while commercially packaged almond milk can last around 7-10 days after opening, again, checking the expiration date.
Always follow the storage guidelines on the packaging and use your senses to determine if either milk has gone bad – if there’s an off smell, curdling, or unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.
Buttermilk vs almond milk: The ultimate verdict
So, which one comes out on top? It really depends on your preferences and dietary needs. Buttermilk brings that delightful tang to recipes and is a must-have for baking and marinades. On the other hand, almond milk is my go-to dairy-free alternative with a mild and pleasant nutty flavor. If you’re aiming to reduce your dairy intake, almond milk is the way to go. If you’re a baking enthusiast or love that tangy taste, then buttermilk might be your choice.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use almond milk as a substitute for buttermilk in many recipes, but keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different due to the lower fat content and different acidity of almond milk compared to traditional buttermilk.
If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
Almond milk is often considered healthier than dairy milk for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have dietary restrictions, as it is lower in calories and contains no saturated fat, but dairy milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein that almond milk may not naturally provide without fortification.
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