UHT Milk vs Buttermilk: Which is Better?

Milk itself comes in many forms and varieties – think of all the plant-based or animal-based options…you can get a whole lot more than just regular milk!

Now, speaking of different forms, UHT milk and buttermilk are basically different versions of regular cow’s milk (in some cases, UHT milk is from a different milk, but we’ll talk about that later), with each using different processes to get the unique characteristics they each boast…

We’ll check out exactly what those processes are, and also take a deep dive into each of them to compare everything about them! Then, you’ll know exactly which one is better: UHT milk or buttermilk?

Let’s jump in!

Comparing UHT milk vs buttermilk

UHT milk stands for “ultra high temperature milk,” which describes the process a milk goes through (more on that in a bit). It can be animal-based or plant-based, so its allergens and dietary versatility depends on which milk it was made from. 

Buttermilk, on the other hand, has milk as an allergen, and is always animal-based. It’s not suitable for vegan, keto, or paleo diets. 

	UHT milk (ultra-high temperature)	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Type	Animal or plant-based	Animal-based
Allergens	Varies	Milk
Vegan?	Varies	No
Paleo?	Varies	No
Keto?	Varies	No

Differences between UHT milk and buttermilk

The main difference between UHT milk and buttermilk is how they’re processed (and in some cases where they come from).

UHT milk is most commonly made from regular cow’s milk, but can also come from things like almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, etc. UHT milk goes through an intense heat for a short period of time, which is different from regular pasteurization. This process boosts its shelf-stableness, allowing it to stay good unopened for several months!

It usually comes in an aseptic package, which further prevents it from spoiling. UHT milk tastes like whatever milk it was made from with an additional cooked flavor.

Buttermilk is a thick and creamy milk that’s made by adding a probiotic culture to pasteurized or homogenized milk, which essentially ferments it. It has a tangy and slightly sour taste that’s often specifically called for in recipes, and it does a great job of moistening bakes. 

How to use UHT milk vs buttermilk

UHT milk or buttermilk can be used in many different ways that take advantage of their unique characteristics, like: 

UHT milk:

• Use it like regular milk but on-the-go.
• Add it to your coffee and tea.
• Pour it over your cereal and granola.
• Stock up on it in your pantry.
• Keep it in case of emergency or loss of fridge power.
• Take it camping or places where fridge space is absent/limited.

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 UHT milk for buttermilk?

In many cases, UHT milk and buttermilk can be used interchangeably. However, that can really depend on the type of milk that the UHT milk comes from, which can change the flavor and texture of it. Plus, buttermilk is often called for specifically due to its taste and texture in many recipes, which can be difficult to replace with UHT milk.

Keep the differing allergens in mind as well!

Nutrition: UHT milk vs buttermilk

UHT milk’s nutritional profile depends on what milk it’s made from. That means its calories, carbs, fats, proteins, etc. can change from type to type. However, the extreme heat it goes through causes things like vitamins and other nutrients to disappear in some cases…

Buttermilk has 120 calories per serving, and has just 2.5 grams of total fat. It’s high in carbs with 15 grams per serving, and contains 11 grams of sugar. The protein is decent, with 10 grams per serving – you’ll also find a solid calcium and vitamin D content! 

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	UHT milk (ultra-high temperature)	Buttermilk (lowfat/1%)
Calories	Varies; UHT can be any type of milk.	120
Total fat (saturated)		2.5 g (2 g)
Total carbs		15 g
Total sugars (incl. added)		11 g (0 g)
Protein		10 g
Calcium		25% DV
Vit D		10% DV

How to store UHT milk and buttermilk

UHT milk is meant to last for up to several months without being refrigerated. When unopened, keep it in your pantry until you want to use it – then, finish it within a few days after opening and keep it in the fridge. You can basically store UHT milk just like you would store regular milk once you open it.

Buttermilk should be stored in the fridge right aways, and will last for about 7 days unopened. Once you open it up, use it within 5-6 days for the best results, although some brands can potentially last up to 14 days after opening – make sure to keep an eye on it if you want to use it that way!

UHT milk vs buttermilk: Which is better?

UHT milk has obvious advantages when it comes to storing for a long time, and you can get different versions of it (for example, oat, cashew, regular milk, etc.). It does have some nutritional variability, with the high-heat process it goes through sometimes destroying some vitamins and other nutrients.

Buttermilk is a great choice for baking, and is often specifically called for for its tangy, slightly sour flavor and thick texture. It adds moistness to bakes and is overall very versatile!

UHT milk is great if you need to store a milk for a long time or don’t have fridge space, but buttermilk takes the win for its specificity in baking, consistent nutritional profile, and great nutrient content!

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