Spelt milk is really a unique and uncommon type of milk – you don’t hear of this tasty beverage made from ancient grains very often!
Now, that’s a shame because it has some really cool characteristics – and we’ll check those out here today! We’ll also compare it to the popular buttermilk…chances are you’ve heard of it and even used it, especially if you love baking!
After we’re through taking a look at all the details, you can really see which one of these great choices is the better one for you!
Let’s check them out!
Comparing spelt milk vs buttermilk
Spelt milk is plant-based, and has wheat as an allergen. It has less gluten than a lot of other modern grains, but you can’t use it for paleo or keto diets – feel free to enjoy it if you’re vegan, however!
Buttermilk is animal-based, and has milk as an allergen. You can’t use it for paleo, vegan, or keto diets, so it’s a little less dietary versatile than spelt milk in that regard!
| Spelt milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | |
| Type | Plant-based (grains) | Animal-based |
| Allergens | Wheat | Milk |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
| Paleo? | No | No |
| Keto? | Likely not | No |
Differences between spelt milk and buttermilk
The main difference between spelt milk and buttermilk is their sources!
Spelt milk comes from spelt, which is an ancient grain. As mentioned, it has a really low gluten content unlike today’s grains, and it boasts a delicious nutty and sweet flavor profile that’s often described as a blend of toasted oats and almonds! Its texture is creamy and very similar to regular cow’s milk!
Buttermilk has a tangy and slightly sour flavor, and boasts a thick and creamy texture. It’s made by adding a probiotic culture to homogenized or pasteurized milk, which essentially ferments it – this is quite similar to how kefir is made! You’ll mainly find it’s used for baking, as its unique flavor and moistening abilities are often called for in bakes!
How to use spelt milk vs buttermilk
Here are some of the most delicious ways to use these two great milks:
Spelt milk:
- Use in dairy-free baking recipes and as a regular milk alternative.
- Add it as a dairy-free creamer to your coffees and soups.
- Pour over cereals or granola.
- Make non-dairy yogurt with spelt milk as a base.
- Blend with herbs and spices to create salad dressings.
- Enjoy as a stand alone beverage.
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 spelt milk for buttermilk?
Generally, you can substitute these out for one another. However, their differences in taste and texture will really impact whatever you pair them with, so keep an eye on that! Plus, they have different allergens and diet compatibilities – just something to keep in mind!
However, I recommend keeping buttermilk in recipes that call for it, as spelt milk won’t provide that tangy flavor, thick texture, and moistness the way buttermilk does.
Nutrition: Spelt milk vs buttermilk
Both spelt milk and buttermilk are a bit higher in calories, and they’re both quite high in carbs. They have similar amounts of fat and sugar, but buttermilk is a lot higher in protein with 10 grams per serving versus spelt milk’s 2 grams.
That said, spelt milk has a great iron and magnesium content, which is awesome for overall health. Plus, you’ll find potassium, zinc, folic acid, thiamin, and more in it, which gives it a nice blend of nutrients!
Buttermilk has a decent calcium and vitamin D content, and contains probiotics which are great for overall health!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Spelt milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) |
| Calories | 132 | 120 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3.5 g (0 g) | 2.5 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 24 g | 15 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 10 g (0 g) | 11 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 2 g | 10 g |
| Calcium | ? DV | 25% DV |
| Vit D | ? DV | 10% DV |
How to store spelt milk and buttermilk
Spelt milk is tough to find in stores at the moment, so you’ll likely have to make your own. Follow the instructions on the labels if you’re lucky enough to find a packaged version, but they can last up to 12 months unopened and then 3-5 days after opening. For homemade versions, store it in the fridge in an airtight container and use it up within 5 days.
Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge, and will last right around 7 days unopened. Some brands claim that it’ll last up to 14 days after opening, but we recommend using it within 5 days for the best freshness.
Spelt milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict
So, which great milk should you go with?
Well, spelt milk is a very unique option that boasts some awesome nutritional properties in a sweet and creamy package. Buttermilk, on the other hand, is perfect for baking, and its unique flavor is hard to replace!
I definitely recommend trying out spelt milk if you have the chance, but buttermilk takes the win here for its much better accessibility, unique flavor, and application to baking!
FAQs
Spelt milk has a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that’s similar to almonds and toasted oats. It also has a nice hint of sweetness.
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.
Spelt is one of the healthier grains due to its lower gluten content and impressive vitamin and mineral contents – it has things like iron and magnesium in it, which are important for healthy diets!
That depends on what you consider “healthy.” Raw cow milk, almond milk, spelt 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!
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