Substitutes for Buttermilk

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Tangy fermented dairy liquid commonly used in baking to activate baking soda and add tenderness.

Can't find Buttermilk in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 6 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Milk + Lemon Juice 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes baking, pancakes, waffles
Vegetarian
Milk + White Vinegar 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar, let sit 5 minutes baking, marinades
Vegetarian
Plain Yogurt 3/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup water baking, cakes, muffins
Vegetarian
Sour Cream + Water 3/4 cup sour cream + 1/4 cup water baking
Vegetarian
Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice 1 cup coconut milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice baking, pancakes
Vegan Dairy-Free
Oat Milk + Vinegar 1 cup oat milk + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar baking, pancakes
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

The acid curdles the milk slightly, mimicking buttermilk's tang perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Buttermilk?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Milk + Lemon Juice is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes.
What's a vegan substitute for Buttermilk?
Coconut Milk + Lemon Juice is an excellent vegan option. Use 1 cup coconut milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.