What can I substitute for buttermilk?

Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?

The best substitute for buttermilk is Milk + lemon juice. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled.

Running low on buttermilk? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About buttermilk

Buttermilk is a tangy liquid byproduct left after churning butter, traditionally from cultured cream. Modern versions are cultured milk with added lactic acid bacteria. It has a tart, slightly sour flavour and pourable consistency. In cooking and baking, buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to cakes and pancakes, reacts with baking soda to provide lift, and creates a subtle tang in dressings and marinades.

Best substitute

Milk + lemon juice

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled.

Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for every 1 cup buttermilk.

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Alternative

Plain yogurt

Thin with a little milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.

Use 1 cup yogurt for every 1 cup buttermilk.

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Alternative

Milk + white vinegar

Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 minutes.

Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar for every 1 cup buttermilk.

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