There aren’t many milk types as unique as tiger nut milk – not only does it have one of the coolest names, but it’s completely allergen-free!
Then there’s buttermilk, which is one of the most popular versions of regular milk and is absolutely amazing as a baking ingredient and among other things that we’ll check out later.
This showdown is basically a plant-based milk versus an animal-based milk, putting two heavy-hitters in the ring to ultimately decide: is tiger nut milk or buttermilk better?
We’ll do a deep dive on both of them, checking out all the details we need to make the best decision between these two!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing tiger nut milk vs buttermilk
Tiger nut milk is plant-based, and has no allergens at all! It works in vegan diets, and can work in paleo if it’s homemade and has paleo-compatible ingredients. However, it’s not great for keto at all.
Buttermilk is animal-based, and has milk as an allergen. It’s not good for vegan or paleo diets, and shares tiger nut milk’s unsuitability for keto diets.
| Tiger nut milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) | |
| Type | Plant-based | Animal-based |
| Allergens | None | Milk |
| Vegan? | Yes | No |
| Paleo? | Likely if homemade with diet-compatible ingredients | No |
| Keto? | No | No |
Differences between tiger nut milk and buttermilk
The main difference between tiger nut milk and buttermilk is what they’re made from.
Tiger nut milk is made from tiger nuts, which aren’t nuts at all! They’re little tubers that come from a plant known as the yellow nutsedge, and they’re blended together with water to create this nutty-tasting milk with earthy undertones. It’s really easy to make tiger nut milk at home too!
Buttermilk is much thicker and creamier, with a slight sour and tangy flavor. It’s made by adding a probiotic culture to pasteurized or homogenized milk, which ferments it, and is perfect for baking due to its unique flavor and texture – plus, it adds moisture in bakes very well, and is specifically called for in many recipes!
How to use tiger nut milk vs buttermilk
Tiger nut milk or buttermilk can be used in many different ways that take advantage of their unique flavors and textures, like:
Tiger nut milk:
- Use as a dairy-free alternative.
- Add it to your coffee and tea.
- Pour it over your cereal.
- Mix it into your oatmeal and smoothies.
- Make vegan sauces or soups with it.
- Use as an allergy-free milk.
Buttermilk:
- Drink it by itself or use like kefir.
- 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.
Can you substitute tiger nut milk for buttermilk?
Tiger nut milk and buttermilk are very different in texture and flavor, so it might be tricky to use them interchangeably. That said, feel free to experiment with them in things like smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, and other simple dishes, but I recommend keeping buttermilk in recipes that call for it!
Nutrition: Tiger nut milk vs buttermilk
Tiger nut milk is low in calories, and has some healthy fats! Buttermilk is about twice as high in calories, but has a similar fat content. You’ll find a low carb content of 4 grams per serving in tiger nut milk, but 15 grams in buttermilk – buttermilk is quite high in carbs!
Buttermilk has more sugar than tiger nut milk, but it also has more protein! Some studies suggest that tiger nut milk is one of the best non-dairy options when it comes to phosphorus, protein, and oleic acid contents, but we don’t know exactly what its calcium and vitamin D content is – buttermilk is a solid calcium and vitamin D source!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Tiger nut milk | Buttermilk (lowfat/1%) |
| Calories | 60 | 120 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3 g (? g) | 2.5 g (2 g) |
| Total carbs | 4 g | 15 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 1 g (0 g) | 11 g (0 g) |
| Protein | 2 g | 10 g |
| Calcium | ? | 25% DV |
| Vit D | ? | 10% DV |
How to store tiger nut milk and buttermilk
Tiger nut milk should be stored in an airtight container and in the fridge. Try to consume it within a few days, as it spoils quickly!
Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge too, but will last you longer with about 7 days when unopened. Try to finish it within 5 days after opening it, but some kinds can last up to 14 days – keep an eye on it, however!
Tiger nut milk vs buttermilk: The ultimate verdict
Tiger nut milk is the choice to make here if you have allergies or want something that fits your vegan diet. It has a creamy texture and a unique flavor, and is really easy to make at home!
Buttermilk is great if you want to bake with one of these, and boasts a flavor and texture that is specifically called for in many recipes!
I recommend trying out tiger nut milk, as it has a great nutritional profile and unique taste, but buttermilk wins here for being more readily available, better for baking, and for having a more clear nutritional profile!
FAQs
This depends on your preferences – buttermilk is more catered towards baking and cooking, while tiger nut milk is a unique plant-based beverage!
You’ll find health benefits and drawbacks in many different types of milk, so check them out to find one that fits your needs – or talk to a health professional!
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.
Tiger nut milk has a nutty flavor profile with earthy undertones – it’s mild, unique, and delicious!
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