Butter Milk 101: Nutrition, Benefits, How To Use, Buy, Store | Butter Milk: A Complete Guide

What is Butter Milk

Butter milk is a kinda tangy, creamy liquid that’s usually left behind after making butter from cream. Back in the old days, people would churn cream to make butter, and the liquid that came out of it was the original buttermilk. Nowadays, the buttermilk you find in stores is a little different. It’s made by adding special bacteria to regular milk, which makes it thick and gives it that tangy taste.

Buttermilk is great in recipes because it makes stuff like pancakes, muffins, and biscuits super soft and fluffy. Plus, it’s lower in fat than regular milk, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to cut back a little on fat but still want that rich flavor. Some people even like to drink it on its own, though it’s an acquired taste! I remember my grandma used to love drinking it straight, but personally, I can only handle it in recipes!

Other Names of Butter Milk

1. Chaas
   If you’ve ever visited India or have Indian friends, you might’ve heard the word “chaas.” It’s their version of buttermilk, and it’s super refreshing, especially during the hot summers. They sometimes add spices to make it even tastier!
2. Takra
   This is another name used in parts of India and Nepal. It’s pretty much the same as buttermilk, and people drink it to cool down or help with digestion after meals.
3. Laban
   In the Middle East, they call it “laban.” It’s kind of their traditional yogurt-based drink, but in some places, it’s what they refer to as buttermilk. It’s creamy and tangy, just like what we know.
4. Clabber
   This one’s an old-school name! Back in the day, clabber was the term used for naturally soured milk, which is pretty close to buttermilk. It’s not used much anymore, but you might still hear it here and there.
5. Cultured Buttermilk
   You’ll probably see this on cartons at the grocery store. It’s the modern version of buttermilk that’s made by adding lactic acid bacteria to regular milk. Sounds fancy, but it’s just the buttermilk we know today!
6. Sour Milk
   Some people casually call it sour milk, though technically, they’re a bit different. But the taste and consistency are pretty similar, so they use the term interchangeably sometimes.

Each name has its own little twist, but they all point back to that same tangy, refreshing drink!

Nutritional Value of Butter Milk

When it comes to buttermilk, it’s one of those things that’s surprisingly packed with goodness but kinda goes unnoticed, right? Growing up, my mom would always use it in pancakes, and I never really knew how nutritious it was until I started looking into it myself. So if you’re like me, wondering what exactly buttermilk brings to the table (pun intended), here’s a breakdown of its nutrition!

Nutrient	Amount (per 1 cup / 240 ml)
Calories	98 kcal
Protein	8 grams
Fat	2 grams
Carbohydrates	12 grams
Calcium	285 mg
Potassium	370 mg
Vitamin B12	0.9 mcg
Vitamin D	2.6 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.4 mg

Buttermilk is low in fat but still has all those good vitamins and minerals that dairy gives. Calcium’s great for bones, and the B vitamins help with energy, so it’s kinda like a secret weapon in your fridge! If you don’t drink it straight, you can sneak it into recipes like smoothies or baked goods.

Benefits of Butter Milk

1. Great for Digestion
   Buttermilk is really easy on the stomach. It’s loaded with probiotics, which are those “good” bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. If you ever feel bloated or have that uncomfortable heavy feeling after a big meal, a glass of buttermilk can really help.
2. Low in Fat
   You might think buttermilk is high in fat ‘cause of the name, but it’s actually not. It’s way lower in fat than regular milk, which is awesome if you’re trying to watch what you eat but still want something tasty.
3. Packed with Nutrients
   Buttermilk is full of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. These are good for strong bones, keeping your skin healthy, and giving you energy through the day.
4. Hydrates and Cools You Down
   On a hot summer day, buttermilk is like a natural cooling drink. I sometimes give it to my kids when they’ve been running around outside, and it helps them hydrate and cool down quickly.
5. Helps with Heartburn
   If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, buttermilk can be a real lifesaver. Its natural acidity helps neutralize the stomach acid and can give you some quick relief.
6. Boosts Immunity
   Because of the probiotics and vitamins it contains, buttermilk can help strengthen your immune system. This means it might help you fight off colds and other minor infections a little better.
7. Good for Your Skin
   Buttermilk is also great for your skin. Some people use it as a natural facial cleanser because it’s gentle and contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Plus, drinking it keeps you hydrated, which is key to glowing skin!

Each time I use buttermilk, whether for a recipe or just as a drink, I always feel like I’m doing something good for my body.

What Does Butter Milk Taste Like

Buttermilk has a unique taste that can surprise you if you’ve never had it before. It’s tangy, kinda like yogurt, but more liquidy. You know that slight sourness yogurt has? Yeah, that’s what buttermilk reminds me of. But don’t get me wrong—it’s not a bad sour. It’s more like a refreshing, almost zesty taste. Some folks describe it as having a mild buttery flavor, but honestly, I don’t taste butter in it much. It’s more of a creamy tang. It’s smooth when you drink it, but that tangy bite at the end really wakes up your taste buds.

I remember the first time I tried it, I wasn’t sure what to expect because I grew up thinking it was supposed to taste like, well, butter! But once I got past that initial confusion, it was actually kinda nice. It’s definitely not something you’d gulp down like milk, though. It’s more of an ingredient I love to use for baking because it adds that special touch to pancakes or biscuits, making them fluffier and richer.

It’s also great for marinating, especially chicken! But straight up, buttermilk on its own? I think it’s more of an acquired taste. If you’re curious, give it a try! But maybe start with a small sip first!

How to make Butter Milk

Making buttermilk at home is actually super simple and only takes a couple of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s way better than having to run to the store when you realize you forgot to buy some for a recipe. Trust me, I’ve been there!

How to make Butter Milk with milk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of milk (any kind works, but whole milk is best)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar

Instructions:

1. Pour your milk into a cup – Measure out one cup of milk and pour it into a bowl or measuring cup. I usually just eyeball it, but you can be exact if you want.
2. Add the acid – Now, you can use either lemon juice or vinegar, whatever you’ve got handy. Stir in a tablespoon into the milk. It’s okay if it looks a bit chunky—that’s what you want! The acid is what helps the milk curdle a bit, turning it into buttermilk.
3. Let it sit – Here’s the part where you have to be a little patient. Let the milk sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll see it thicken up a bit, and once it does, you’ve got your homemade buttermilk!

That’s seriously it. Three steps and you’re done! It’s perfect for baking, making pancakes, or even for a quick marinade. I use this trick all the time when I’m whipping up biscuits and don’t have the store-bought version on hand. No more rushing to the store—this works just as well, if not better!

How to make Butter Milk with yogurt

Making buttermilk at home is super easy, and it’s a game changer, especially when you’re in the middle of a recipe and realize you don’t have any. That’s literally happened to me so many times, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. The good news is, if you have yogurt in your fridge, you’re all set!

Here’s how I do it:

1. Start with plain yogurt – I usually use about 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. Full-fat works great, but you can totally use low-fat too if that’s what you have.
2. Add water – Next, pour in 1 cup of water. Now, this isn’t an exact science—sometimes I eyeball it depending on how thick or thin I want my buttermilk to be.
3. Whisk it together – Grab a whisk or even a fork, and mix the yogurt and water together until it’s smooth. You want it to be the consistency of regular buttermilk, which is like a thin, creamy liquid.
4. Optional: add a pinch of salt – I like to add just a tiny pinch of salt to mine. It gives it a little more flavor, especially if I’m using it for cooking or baking.

And that’s it! You now have homemade buttermilk that you can use right away. I usually use mine in pancakes, cakes, or even to marinate chicken. It’s super versatile. Plus, I love knowing exactly what’s in it—no weird additives, just yogurt and water!

How to make Butter Milk with heavy cream

Making buttermilk at home with heavy cream is super easy and way more convenient than running to the store. Plus, it’s something fun to try when you’re in the mood to experiment in the kitchen. I remember the first time I did this – I was out of buttermilk for pancakes, and it turned out to be a quick fix. So, here’s how you can whip it up yourself!

What You Need:

• Heavy cream – the star of the show!
• Lemon juice or white vinegar – this is what helps “curdle” the cream and make that tangy buttermilk taste.
• A jar or bowl – anything to mix it in.

Steps:

1. Pour your cream into a jar or bowl. It’s best to use around 1 cup of heavy cream, but feel free to adjust based on how much buttermilk you need.
2. Add the acid – You can either use lemon juice or white vinegar. Just about 1 tablespoon of either should do. Don’t worry if it seems like a tiny amount, it works wonders!
3. Stir it up – Mix the cream and acid well, then let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice it thickening a bit, which means it’s doing its thing. It might not get as thick as the store-bought version, but that’s totally okay.
4. Use or store – Once it’s done, you can use it right away in your recipe, or pop it in the fridge for later. Just don’t wait too long, fresh homemade buttermilk should be used within a couple of days.

And that’s it! Super simple. I love how easy this is, and it really saves me a trip to the grocery store. Plus, making it yourself just makes you feel like a kitchen pro, you know?

How To Use Butter Milk

1. In Pancakes or Waffles: Buttermilk makes pancakes and waffles fluffier and tastier. Just swap it in for regular milk in your recipe. My kids always love these breakfast treats, and they come out so soft!
2. In Salad Dressings: Mix buttermilk with herbs and spices to make a creamy salad dressing. It’s a hit in our house—especially with some fresh dill and garlic. It’s way better than store-bought!
3. In Marinades: Soak chicken or fish in buttermilk before cooking. It tenderizes the meat and adds a delicious tang. I do this a lot for family dinners; it makes the chicken extra juicy!
4. In Baking: Use buttermilk in cakes, muffins, or bread recipes to add moisture and a subtle tangy flavor. It’s perfect for making your baked goods rise beautifully.
5. In Smoothies: Blend buttermilk with fruits for a creamy, tangy smoothie. My kids love this one—especially with berries. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra calcium!
6. In Biscuits and Scones: Adding buttermilk to your biscuit or scone dough helps them rise and become super flaky. Whenever I make these, they’re always gone in minutes!
7. In Soups and Sauces: Stir buttermilk into soups or sauces to give them a creamy texture and a bit of tang. It’s a great way to elevate simple recipes.
8. As a Substitute: If a recipe calls for milk and you don’t have any, you can use buttermilk instead. Just reduce the baking powder or soda a bit. It’s a handy trick I’ve used when I’m out of regular milk!

Using buttermilk is a fun and easy way to add some extra flavor and tenderness to your dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any buttermilk you have hanging around in the fridge!

Substitute for Butter Milk

1. Milk with Lemon Juice or Vinegar
   Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It’s like making your own buttermilk at home! This trick works great in recipes that need a bit of tanginess.
2. Greek Yogurt
   Greek yogurt is a thick and tangy substitute. Mix it with a little milk to get the right consistency. Use about half a cup of Greek yogurt and half a cup of milk to replace a cup of buttermilk.
3. Sour Cream
   Sour cream is another good alternative. It’s creamy and tangy, just like buttermilk. You can use it straight up or thin it with a little milk if needed.
4. Kefir
   Kefir is a fermented milk drink that’s similar to buttermilk but with a bit more tang. You can use it 1-to-1 as a buttermilk substitute.
5. Milk with Cream of Tartar
   Mix a cup of milk with 1½ teaspoons of cream of tartar. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ve got a buttermilk alternative that works well in recipes needing a leavening boost.
6. Non-Dairy Milk with Vinegar or Lemon Juice
   If you’re dairy-free, you can use non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Just add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to it and let it sit for about 5 minutes.

These substitutes can help you out in a pinch and give your recipes that nice tangy flavor!

Where to Buy Butter Milk

Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores have buttermilk in the dairy section. Look for it near the milk and cream. You might find it in regular or low-fat versions.

Supermarkets
Big supermarkets usually have a wider variety of buttermilk brands. They might even have organic or specialty buttermilk if you’re looking for something different.

Farmers’ Markets
Sometimes local farmers’ markets sell fresh buttermilk. It’s a great way to support local farmers and get high-quality, fresh buttermilk.

Online Grocery Stores
If you don’t want to go out, many online grocery stores deliver buttermilk straight to your door. Just order from a website or app, and they’ll bring it to you.

Health Food Stores
Health food stores might carry organic or specialty buttermilk. It’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something specific or unique.

Dairy Farms
Some dairy farms sell buttermilk directly to consumers. If you live near one, it’s a good idea to check if they offer buttermilk for sale.

Specialty Stores
Specialty food stores, like those focusing on gourmet items, sometimes have unique buttermilk options. It’s a fun place to explore if you’re looking for something a bit different.

Local Delis
Some local delis and small shops might carry buttermilk. It’s worth a try if you’re nearby and want to grab a quick bottle.

How To Store Butter Milk

1. In the Fridge
   • What You Need: An airtight container or jar.
   • How to Do It: Pour the buttermilk into the container and seal it tightly with the lid. This keeps out any odors from the fridge that might affect the taste.
   • Why It Works: Keeping buttermilk in the fridge slows down the growth of bacteria, so it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to check the expiration date on the buttermilk before using it!
2. In the Freezer
   • What You Need: Ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, and a freezer bag or airtight container for longer storage.
   • How to Do It: Pour the buttermilk into ice cube trays. Once the cubes are frozen solid, pop them out and store them in a freezer bag or container. You can also freeze buttermilk in larger portions if you use it in bulk.
   • Why It Works: Freezing buttermilk stops the bacterial growth completely, so it can last up to 6 months. When you need some, just take out a few cubes and thaw them in the fridge overnight. Be aware that the texture might change slightly, but it should still be good for cooking or baking.
3. In a Jar
   • What You Need: A clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
   • How to Do It: Pour the buttermilk into the jar and screw the lid on tightly. Store the jar in the fridge.
   • Why It Works: This is a convenient option if you use buttermilk often. The jar helps prevent spills and makes it easy to pour out just what you need. Just make sure the jar is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any contamination.
4. In a Reusable Bottle
   • What You Need: A clean, reusable bottle with a screw cap.
   • How to Do It: Transfer the buttermilk into the bottle and secure the cap tightly. Store it in the fridge.
   • Why It Works: This method is great for avoiding spills and keeping your buttermilk handy. The tight cap prevents leaks and keeps the buttermilk fresh. It’s also easy to pour directly from the bottle when you’re cooking or baking.
5. Add a Bit of Salt
   • What You Need: A pinch of salt (optional).
   • How to Do It: Stir a small amount of salt into the buttermilk before you store it. Then, use any of the above methods to keep it fresh.
   • Why It Works: Salt can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold, potentially extending the freshness of your buttermilk. However, this method isn’t foolproof, so make sure to use it within a reasonable time frame.

Using these methods can help you keep your buttermilk fresh and ready to use for all your recipes. Just remember to always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using, especially if it’s been stored for a while.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)