# What is buttermilk **URL:** \ **Category:** Food\ **Created:** [September 24, 2020, 12:47pm UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/what-is-buttermilk/18378 "2020-09-24T12:47:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 3
**Author:** ![Khadija](https://howtodiscuss.com/user_avatar/howtodiscuss.com/khadija/32/4036_2.png) [@Khadija](https://howtodiscuss.com/u/Khadija)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2020, 2:10am UTC](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/what-is-buttermilk/18378/3 "2020-10-31T02:10:08Z")
**What is Buttermilk:** Store-bought buttermilk is slightly sour milk that comes from a combination of milk and lactic acid. It is thicker than plain milk, with a subtle tang. In recipes that call for buttermilk, it is recommended to replace buttermilk replace butter with plain milk, because the absence of acid will not produce the same result. But using an acidic ingredient combined with plain milk will create a substitute with properties closer to that of buttermilk. Buttermilk! It is an essential ingredient in many baked goods, but if you’re anything like me, it is not an ingredient that you have on hand at all times. The good news is, you can make a buttermilk substitute at home with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. **Why is Buttermilk Used in Baking:** The extra acid in buttermilk tenderizes gluten, helping to create baked goods that are light and fluffy. Buttermilk also helps with leaving. When combined with baking soda, the acid in buttermilk helps rise. Buttermilk can also impart a subtle tangy flavor that can take a recipe from good to great. **How To Make Buttermilk Substitute:** I have five different ways you can create a Buttermilk Substitute. These work in a pinch if you need buttermilk for a recipe and don’t have any on hand, or if you have a recipe that calls for a small amount of buttermilk and you don’t want to buy a whole container. **Recipes Using Buttermilk Substitute:** If a recipe relies heavily on buttermilk for flavor, texture, and rise (like these Buttermilk Biscuits), it is probably best to buy actual buttermilk. but I have used buttermilk substitutes much time in various recipes with success. The result might be a bit different than if using actual buttermilk, but this is as close as you’re going to get as far as substitutions go. **Tip:** the less buttermilk there is in the recipe, the easier it is to substitute. If a recipe calls for a small amount of buttermilk, likely, you won’t notice any difference in making this substitution. If the buttermilk is a key player in a recipe, I usually try to use the real deal. **Buttermilk Nutrition:** Buttermilk packs a lot of nutrition into a small serving. One cup (245ml) of cultured buttermilk provides the nutrients: • Calories: 98 • Proteins: 8grams • Carbs: 12 grams • Fat: 3 grams • Fiber: 0 grams • Calcium: 22% of the Daily Value (DV) • Sodium: 16% of the DV • Riboflavin: 29% of the DV • Pantothenic acid: 13% of the DV **Health Benefits of Buttermilk:** Buttermilk may offer several health benefits., including improved blood pressure and bone and ■■■■ health. **May be easier to digest than other dairy Products:** The lactic acid in buttermilk can make its lactose content easier to digest. Lactose is the natural sugar in dairy products. Many people are lactose intolerant, meaning that they don’t have the enzyme needed to break down this sugar. Approximately 65% of people worldwide develop some degree of lactose intolerance after infancy. Some people with lactose intolerance can drink cultured dairy products with few to no side effects, as the lactose is broken down by the bacteria. **May support strong Bones:** Buttermilk is a good source of calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamin D if it has been fortified. Full-fat varieties are also rich in vitamin K2. These nutrients are important for maintaining bone strength and prevent degenerative bone diseases like osteoporosis, but many people don’t get enough of them. There is also emerging evidence that vitamin K2 is beneficial for bone health and treating osteoporosis, particularly in combination with vitamin D. vitamin K2 promotes bone formation and prevents bone breakdown. **May Improve ■■■■ Health:** Periodontitis is the inflammation of your gums and supporting structures of your teeth. It’s a very common condition and caused by periodontal bacteria. Fermented dairy products like buttermilk may have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin cells that line your mouth. The intake of calcium from fermented dairy foods has been associated with a significant reduction of periodontitis. Nondairy foods don’t seem to Dave this effect. This may be particularly helpful for people who have ■■■■ inflammation as a result of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or Crohn’s disease. **The Bottom Line:** Buttermilk is a dairy product rich in vitamins and minerals that may offer several benefits for your bones, heart, and ■■■■ health. Still, it may cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. If you tolerate dairy, buttermilk is a great and versatile addition to a healthy diet. --- _[View the full topic](https://howtodiscuss.com/t/what-is-buttermilk/18378)._