Hemp Milk vs Buttermilk: The Ultimate Verdict

We have so many milk choices these days that it’s hard to know up from down – there are plant-based ones, animal-based ones, types that are better for baking, versions that are better for vegans…the list goes on!

Two wonderful choices are hemp milk and buttermilk, which are quite different from one another to say the least! On the one hand, hemp milk is plant-based, while buttermilk is animal-based – this is like a plant versus animal milk showdown! 

They also have different allergens, dietary uses, and nutritional profiles…there’s a lot to consider when choosing between these two, and we’ve gone ahead and laid it all out for you! We’ll explore everything you need to know to ultimately decide which one of these milks is better!

Let’s jump in!

Comparing hemp milk vs buttermilk

Hemp milk is a nut/seed milk, being plant-based while buttermilk is animal-based. Hemp milk has no allergens, and is a good choice for vegan, paleo, and keto diets! Buttermilk has milk as an allergen, and can’t be used for any of those special diets. 

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

Differences between hemp milk and buttermilk

The main difference between hemp milk and buttermilk is what their sources are, creating several differences in their flavor.

Hemp milk is made by soaking and blending hemp seeds with water, and has a naturally nutty flavor. The texture is creamy and thick – it’s similar to 2% regular milk, but a little thicker than it! It’s really easy to make at home, and you can make or buy sweetened or unsweetened versions. 

And don’t worry – the hemp seeds are the non-psychoactive part of the cannabis plant, so they don’t contain anything that will get you high!

Buttermilk is made by adding a probiotic culture to pasteurized or homogenized milk, which ferments it. This process is similar to making kefir, and creates a creamy and thick texture with a tangy and slightly sour flavor. 

How to use hemp milk vs buttermilk

Here are a couple ways to get the most out of hemp milk and buttermilk:

Hemp milk:

• Enjoy on its own as a drink. 
• Pour it over your cereal or granola.
• Mix into your oatmeal and smoothies for a creamy texture.
• Add it to pancake and waffle batter.
• Use it in your coffee or tea. 

Buttermilk:

• Tenderize meat.
• Add moisture to things like pancakes, cookies, and moist cakes.
• Use as a base for dressings and dips.
• Use as marinades and brines.
• Make the many recipes that call for it.
• Drink on its own.

Can you substitute hemp milk for buttermilk?

You generally can substitute these two for one another. 

Hemp milk has a nuttier and earthier flavor to it, while buttermilk is tangy and sour. They have similar textures, being thick and creamy. However, the flavor will make a big impact in different recipes, and buttermilk is often called for in recipes for its specific taste and its moistening capabilities, so you will likely see a big difference when using these interchangeably.

Otherwise, feel free to experiment with switching these out for one another!

Nutrition: Hemp milk vs buttermilk

Hemp milk has 60 calories as compared to buttermilk’s 120 calories per serving, and has a little more fat. It has absolutely no carbs and sugar, and has 3 grams of protein. It’s decent in calcium with 20% of your daily value, and gives you 10% of your vitamin D daily value. Some hemp milks come fortified with vitamin D, and it’s naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is great!

Buttermilk has 11 grams of sugar per serving, and 15 grams of carbs. It has a great protein content of 10 grams per serving, and has 25% of your daily value for calcium, and 10% of your daily value for vitamin D! It also contains probiotics, which is good for overall health!

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Hemp milk	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Calories	60	120
Total fat (saturated)	4.5 g (0 g)	2.5 g (2 g)
Total carbs	0 g	15 g
Total sugars (incl. added)	0 g	11 g (0 g)
Protein	3 g	10 g
Calcium	20% DV	25% DV
Vit D	10% DV	10% DV

How to store hemp milk and buttermilk

If you bought it from the store, keep your hemp milk in a cool, dark pantry if it’s shelf-stable, but put it in the fridge after you open it. Finish it within 7-10 days of opening for the best quality, and make sure to keep an eye on the best-before date. Homemade hemp milk should be stored in the fridge with an airtight seal, and typically stays fresh for 4-5 days.

Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge so that it doesn’t spoil, and can be kept in the fridge for up to 7 days if it’s unopened. It typically lasts 3-14 days depending on the brand after it’s opened, but we’ve found that it’s best used in under 6 days of opening.

Hemp milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict

Hemp milk and buttermilk each have some really great qualities that may make you lean towards one over the other, with hemp milk offering a nutty and creamy plant-based milk while buttermilk is a wonderful animal-based milk great for baking and cooking. 

Now, it’s hard to declare a clear winner because they come from different sources, so you should consider your needs and wants in that regard. However, the overall win goes to hemp milk for having a greater dietary versatility, no sugar, less calories, and a better flavor for using as a stand alone product!

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