Buttermilk is in almost every person’s (who loves to bake or cook) fridge, being a staple in many recipes for its unique flavor and texture – plus, it adds a beautiful moisture that makes your cakes and bakes mouth watering!
Now, a more unique type of milk is flax milk, which makes a serious case for seed-based milks – it’s tasty, extremely versatile, and has no allergens!
But, how does it compare to the popular buttermilk?
Well, we’ll figure that out by putting them side-by-side, shining a spotlight on all their characteristics. Then, we’ll know exactly which one is better!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing flax milk vs buttermilk
Flax milk is plant-based, while buttermilk is animal-based. Buttermilk also has milk as an allergen, unlike flax milk which is allergen-free! Flax milk is also a great choice for vegan, paleo, and keto diets, making it super versatile!
| Flax milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | |
| Type | Plant-based (seeds) | Animal-based |
| Allergens | None | Milk |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
| Paleo? | Yes | No |
| Keto? | Yes | No |
Differences between flax milk and buttermilk
The main difference between flax milk and buttermilk is their source, with further differences in their taste and texture!
Flax milk comes from flaxseeds, either whole or ground. It boasts a runnier texture than buttermilk (although thicker than almond milk) with a mild, slightly nutty and earthy flavor. It’s also really easy to make flax milk at home if you want!
Buttermilk comes from cow’s milk, technically, as it’s made by adding a probiotic culture to homogenized or pasteurized milk, which basically ferments it. In fact, it’s quite similar to how kefir is made!
It boasts a tangy and slightly sour flavor, with a thick and creamy texture that’s often called for specifically in recipes!
How to use flax milk vs buttermilk
Here are some of the most delicious ways to use these two great milk options:
Flax milk:
- Enjoy as a dairy-free beverage.
- Pour into your oats and cereal.
- Make smoothies with it.
- Add it to your coffee or tea.
- Bake with it.
- Make flaxseed pudding.
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.
- Add a nutty twist to curries and stews.
Can you substitute flax milk for buttermilk?
You technically can in things like smoothies, pancakes, waffles, and most bakes, but the massive flavor and texture differences make it hard to substitute for one another in recipes that specifically call for buttermilk…
You see, buttermilk is really good at adding moisture and its unique tangy flavor, which is often needed in recipes that call for it. Otherwise, feel free to experiment!
Nutrition: Flax milk vs buttermilk
Flax milk is a bit lower in calories than buttermilk, but both are quite similar in fat! However, buttermilk has a lot more carbs than flax milk, with 15 grams per serving versus flax milk’s 2 grams. Buttermilk also has a lot more sugar, whereas flax milk has no sugar in it!
They’re both high in protein, and are solid sources of calcium and vitamin D. Flax milk is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and has a great vitamin B12 content! Buttermilk, on the other hand, sports some great probiotics!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Flax milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) |
| Calories | 70 | 120 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (0 g) | 2.5 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 2 g | 15 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | 11 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 8 g | 10 g |
| Calcium | 30% DV | 25% DV |
| Vit D | 25% DV | 10% DV |
How to store flax milk and buttermilk
Flax milk is generally fine at room temperature as long as it’s unopened, but put it in the fridge after opening and finish it within 7-10 days! If you’re drinking homemade versions, keep it in the fridge and consume it within 4 days for the best freshness.
Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge, and will last about 7 days unopened. You’ll find that some brands say it’ll last up to 14 days after opening, but we recommend using it within 5 days for the best freshness – otherwise, try the good ol’ sniff and taste test before using it!
Flax milk vs buttermilk: Which is better?
This is a bit of a tricky one to declare a clear winner because one’s a plant-based milk and the other’s animal-based…
That said, flax milk offers some wonderful nutritional properties, and is super versatile in many diets while having no allergens. Buttermilk is unmatched here for its moistening capabilities in bakes and its unique tangy flavor.
Buttermilk is better in recipes that call for it, but the overall win goes to flax milk for providing a great-tasting experience, awesome nutritional benefits, great shelf-life, and an amazing dietary versatility!
FAQs
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.
That depends on what you consider “healthy.” Raw cow milk, almond milk, flax milk, cashew milk, and all other milk types have unique benefits, so I recommend taking a closer look at all of them or talking to a health professional to find one that fits your needs!
Flax milk can be a nutritious choice, boasting omega-3 fatty acids, a lot of protein, and no sugar!
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