You’re likely familiar with buttermilk – it’s got a distinct tangy flavor with a thick and creamy texture, and is popular in many different recipes! Plus, it’s a great way to add moisture into your bakes!
Now, a less-known milk type is the nutty pistachio milk! This plant-based milk boasts a green tint, and has some great nutritional properties along with a great flavor! But how does it fare against the tried-and-true buttermilk?
We’ll take a close look at these two, exploring their culinary uses, flavor profiles, nutritional properties, and more – that way, we’ll know exactly which one of these we should hail victorious – there can only be one winner!

Let’s jump in!
Comparing pistachio milk vs buttermilk
Pistachio milk is plant-based while buttermilk is animal-based. If you’re lactose intolerant, pistachio milk can be a great choice because it’s naturally lactose-free, and it also doesn’t have milk as an allergen like buttermilk.
However, if you’re allergic to tree nuts, buttermilk would be the better choice here! Unfortunately, you can’t use it in vegan, paleo, and keto diets like you can with pistachio milk – however, most pistachio milks don’t use keto-friendly sweeteners, so keep an eye on that!
Pistachio milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | |
Type | Plant-based (nut/seed) | Animal-based |
Allergens | Tree nuts | Milk |
Vegan? | Yes | No |
Paleo? | Yes | No |
Keto? | Could be if made with keto-friendly sweetener (the sole commercial brand we found nutrition info for is sweetened) | No |
Differences between pistachio milk and buttermilk
The main difference between pistachio milk and buttermilk is where they come from.
Pistachio milk is made by soaking pistachios and then blending them with water. This creates a nutty, slightly earthy, creamy, and light green beverage! It’s quite sweet, and most pistachio milks at the store are sweetened – you can always make pistachio milk at home if you want an easy unsweetened version!
Buttermilk is made by adding a probiotic culture to pasteurized or homogenized milk, which ferments it. This creates a thick, creamy, tangy, and slightly sour milk, which is often called for specifically in recipes!
How to use pistachio milk vs buttermilk
Your pistachio milk and buttermilk can be used in a couple of great ways, including:
Pistachio milk:
- Add it to your smoothies and oatmeal.
- Drink it straight.
- Put it in your coffee or tea.
- Bake things like pancakes and waffles.
- Pour it over your cereal.
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 or use like kefir.
Can you substitute pistachio milk for buttermilk?
In most cases, these aren’t really great for using interchangeably…
And that’s because they are quite different in flavor and texture, with buttermilk having a really distinct taste that adds a special touch to the many recipes that call for it. Otherwise, in things like waffles, pancakes, smoothies, etc., you can absolutely try substituting them out for one another – just expect the taste and feel to be quite different, and I recommend keeping buttermilk in recipes that call for it.
Nutrition: Pistachio milk vs buttermilk
Pistachio milk is lower in calories than buttermilk, but has a touch more fat. Buttermilk is higher in carbs with 15 grams per serving versus pistachio milk’s 9 grams, and buttermilk is also a bit higher in sugar – although, pistachio milk has 6 grams of ADDED sugar per serving while buttermilk has none.
Buttermilk has a great protein content, and is also much higher in calcium and vitamin D contents.
Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Pistachio milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) |
Calories | 80 | 120 |
Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (0 g) | 2.5 g (2 g) |
Total carbs | 9 g | 15 g |
Total sugars (incl. added) | 7 g (6 g) | 11 g (0 g) |
Protein | 2 g | 10 g |
Calcium | 2% DV | 25% DV |
Vit D | 0% DV | 10% DV |
How to store pistachio milk and buttermilk
Pistachio milk should be stored in the fridge, preferably in a tightly sealed container – that way flavors and odors floating around your fridge won’t affect it! Most nut milks should be finished within 7-10 days after opening, but check the best-before date to be sure!
Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge as well, and be finished within 5 days of opening for the best freshness – some brands say that it will last up to 14 days, but make sure to give it a little taste test first!
Pistachio milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict
Pistachio milk and buttermilk are obviously very different from one another, and serve different purposes.
Pistachio milk is a great lactose-free nut milk that boasts a great flavor and creamy texture, along with a great dietary versatility. Buttermilk has an awesome protein and calcium content, along with a unique flavor and moistening capabilities.
With everything factored in, buttermilk is the winner due to having no added sugar, lots of protein, a unique flavor, and a wonderful application in baking and cooking!
FAQs
Many different types of milk like raw cow milk, hemp milk, cashew milk, and almond milk have unique benefits and drawbacks, so I recommend doing some research to find out which milk fits your needs best! Or, consult a healthcare professional.
Pistachio milk has some great fats, a bit of protein, magnesium, and some other solid nutrients. That said, it’s poor in vitamin D and often has added sugar and sweeteners.
Buttermilk is fermented and tangy, with a slightly sour taste and a thicker texture. It also has less fat and slightly more protein.
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