Condensed Milk vs Buttermilk: The Ultimate Verdict

Today, we’re comparing the two dairy delights — buttermilk and the sweeter, denser, condensed milk. Both these milk options have been kitchen staples for generations, used for their incredible flavors, textures, and qualities to whip up some interesting recipes. So, what exactly can you use these milks for, and how are they different? Let’s find out!

Comparing condensed milk vs buttermilk

	Condensed milk	Buttermilk
Type	Animal-based	Animal-based
Allergens	Milk	Milk
Vegan?	No	No
Paleo?	No	No
Keto?	No	No

Buttermilk and condensed milk might be superheroes in the kitchen, but they unfortunately won’t fit into vegan, paleo, or keto diets. They’re both sourced from dairy cows, so those with lactose or milk allergies will have to be careful.

Differences between condensed milk and buttermilk

What’s the biggest difference between condensed milk and buttermilk, you might ask? Their composition and usage. 

Condensed milk (also called sweetened condensed milk or evaporated milk) is essentially cow’s milk with sugar added and about 60% of the water removed, making it creamy and sweet. It’s usually found in cans and is popular in candy-making, desserts, and as a rich addition to coffee or tea.

Buttermilk is a cultured dairy product (typically low-fat or 1%) that’s traditionally made by collecting the leftover liquid after churning butter from cultured cream. Nowadays, it’s made by adding probiotics to pasteurized and homogenized milk. Its tangy flavor is like yogurt, making it popular for cooking, baking, or even a drink on its own.

How to use condensed milk vs buttermilk

Condensed milk:

• Use to make creamy ice creams, fudges, and caramel flans.
• Make a delicious Vietnamese or Thai iced coffee.
• Create a dip by mixing with yogurt or cream cheese.
• Drizzle over cakes and pastries for a glossy glaze.
• Make your own popsicles by mixing with fruit puree and freezing them.

Buttermilk:

• Use for baking biscuits, muffins, and more! Its acidity interacts with leavening agents, leading to a fluffy texture.
• Use as a base for marinades, especially for tender meats.
• Whip up creamy salad dressings with herbs and garlic for a tangy kick, such as a homemade ranch dressing.
• Add to soups like tomato or potato for increased depth of flavor.
• Swap regular milk when mashing potatoes.

Can you substitute condensed milk for buttermilk?

Substituting condensed milk for buttermilk won’t be an easy direct swap since they’re essentially opposites in flavor, consistency, and purpose. In most recipes, using either as substitutes for one another would drastically change the flavor and texture of the final dish. For example, you wouldn’t want to use condensed milk in place of buttermilk for buttermilk pancakes, as you’d end up with an overly sweet, dense result. In some cases, you can experiment with caution, but for traditional buttermilk functions, it’s best to stick to more suitable alternatives.

Nutrition: Condensed milk vs buttermilk

There’s no sugarcoating it – condensed milk and buttermilk are high in calories, high in total sugars, and high in carbs. They’re certainly two of the more indulgent milk types that you’ll have to be mindful of when using in your baking and cooking adventures, especially condensed milk. The values for condensed milk in the table are based on a two tablespoon quantity, in comparison to the one cup quantity for buttermilk! The good news is that buttermilk is high in protein at 10g per cup and provides 25% of your daily value of calcium. Both milks are also good sources of vitamin B12, riboflavin, vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals.

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Calories	Total fat (sat. fat)	Total carbs	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein	Calcium	Vit D
Condensed milk (2 tbsp)	130	3 g (1.5 g)	22 g	21 g (18 g)	3 g	8% DV	0% DV
Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)	120	2.5 g (2 g)	15 g	11 g (0 g)	10 g	25% DV	10% DV

How to store condensed milk and buttermilk

Unlike many other milk options, condensed milk comes in canned form and has a longer shelf life. When unopened, it can be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and light sources for around 18 to 24 months or more. A good tip is to turn cans upside down every few weeks to prevent the milk solids from settling at the bottom. Once opened, pour the contents into an airtight container and use within a week or two. You can even try making your own sweetened condensed coconut milk!

Buttermilk needs to be stored in the fridge at all times. Like condensed milk, it’ll also last up to 2 weeks in the fridge once opened and will last slightly longer than its printed expiration date if unopened.

Condensed milk vs buttermilk: What’s the verdict?

While both come from dairy cows, they’re night and day when it comes to what to use them for. Buttermilk is tangy, thin, and known for its acidic properties, while condensed milk is sweet and syrupy. Condensed milk is perfect for making decadent desserts, rich coffee creations, and sweetening your favorite recipes. Buttermilk, on the flip side, is ideal for savory and baked goods, lending its distinct tang to fried chicken, fluffy pancakes, and more.

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