Buttermilk Powder Substitutes

Buttermilk powder has become a key pantry ingredient for many home cooks and bakers.

This shelf-stable dairy product lends a tangy creaminess and boosts browning in baked goods like pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and muffins.

What Is Buttermilk Powder?

Buttermilk powder is simply dried buttermilk. To make it, cultured buttermilk is first pasteurized and concentrated. It is then roller dried or spray dried into a powder.

The powder contains about 5% moisture or less. This low moisture content prevents bacterial growth, giving buttermilk powder a long shelf life of 18-24 months. It also makes the powder easy to store at room temperature.

When reconstituted with water, buttermilk powder has a thick, creamy texture and tangy taste similar to cultured buttermilk. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute in any recipe calling for liquid buttermilk.

Beyond baking, buttermilk powder has many savory uses. It can add tang and moisture to dressings, dips, marinades, and sauces. The powder's slightly acidic pH even helps tenderize meat. Nutritionally, buttermilk powder provides calcium, protein, and potassium.

Why Find a Substitute?

There are several reasons you may need a buttermilk powder substitute:

You've run out of buttermilk powder and don't have time to get more.
You bought buttermilk powder and it has expired or gone bad.
You want to avoid dairy and need a non-dairy substitute.
You simply want to experiment with different ingredients.

Milk and Acid Substitutes

One of the easiest substitutions combines milk with an acidic ingredient. The acid sour the milk, giving it a similar tangy flavor and thick texture as buttermilk.

Lemon juice or distilled white vinegar work best. Apple cider vinegar can also be used but may impart more flavor.

To make one cup of buttermilk substitute, mix:

1 cup milk (preferably 2% milk)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar

Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before using in place of buttermilk powder.

The amount of buttermilk powder replaced depends on the recipe liquid, but generally:

1 cup milk/acid substitute = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

When using this substitute in baked goods, you may need to reduce other liquids in the recipe since the milk/acid mixture provides more moisture.

Key Takeaway: An easy buttermilk powder substitute combines milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit to sour and thicken before using.

Thick Dairy Substitutes

Other dairy products naturally have a similar tangy, thick texture as buttermilk powder. They can be thinned with water as a substitute in many recipes.

Plain Yogurt

Plain unsweetened yogurt is an excellent buttermilk powder alternative. Since Greek yogurt is extra thick, dilute it more:

1⁄2 cup plain yogurt + 1⁄2 cup water = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder
2/3 cup Greek yogurt + 1/3 cup water = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

Yogurt's natural tanginess mimics buttermilk's flavor. Just watch out for added sweeteners or flavors.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is another great substitute. Thin it with water at a 1:1 ratio:

1⁄2 cup sour cream + 1⁄2 cup water = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

It provides the same rich, creamy tang as buttermilk powder.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is extra thick, so dilute it more. A good ratio is:

1⁄3 cup cream cheese + 2⁄3 cup water = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

The cream cheese gives a rich texture, while the water thins it out.

Key Takeaway: Yogurt, sour cream, and cream cheese can replace buttermilk powder when thinned with water. Their tangy flavor mimics buttermilk's taste.

Powdered Dairy Substitutes

If you want to avoid the extra moisture from liquid dairy swaps, turn to powdered versions instead.

Powdered Milk

Dry milk powder combined with an acid like lemon juice or cream of tartar mimics buttermilk powder.

To make 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder substitute:

1/3 cup dry milk powder
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice or cream of tartar

Key Takeaway: Powdered milk works well to replace buttermilk powder when an acidic ingredient is also added.

Powdered Yogurt

Powdered yogurt is not as readily available as other dairy powders. But if you can find it, use a 1:1 ratio to replace buttermilk powder.

1⁄4 cup powdered yogurt = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

It provides the same thick texture and tangy flavor.

Powdered Sour Cream

Dehydrated sour cream powder combines well with liquid to mimic buttermilk powder. Use it as a 1:1 substitute:

1⁄4 cup powdered sour cream = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

Non-Dairy Substitutes

Vegans or those with dairy allergies can replace buttermilk powder with non-dairy alternatives.

Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk has a rich texture similar to dairy. Mix it with lemon juice or vinegar to sour it:

1 cup coconut milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

The coconut flavor will come through, so it's best for sweet baked goods.

Soy or Almond Milk

Bold plant-based milks can work too. Soured with vinegar, they won't provide the same richness, but can mimic buttermilk's tanginess.

1 cup unsweetened soy/almond milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar = 1⁄4 cup buttermilk powder

For binding and moisture, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot per cup of plant milk.

Buttermilk Powder Substitute Recipes

Buttermilk powder substitutes using common pantry ingredients can easily be whipped up. Here are two recipes to try:

Quick Buttermilk Substitute

1 cup 2% milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar

Tips for Replacing Buttermilk Powder

When using a substitute, keep these tips in mind:

Opt for substitutes with a tangy, acidic flavor to mimic buttermilk's taste.
Adjust liquid in baked goods recipes to account for moister substitutes.
If baking soda is used, ensure your substitute has an acidic ingredient to react and leaven.
For marinades, dressings or breadings, sprinkle buttermilk powder substitute over meat, vegetables, or fish.
For a like-for-like replacement, turn to powdered dairy substitutes like dry milk or yogurt powders.
When using plant-based milks, add cornstarch or arrowroot to help mimic buttermilk's thickness.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk powder?

Plain milk can mimic buttermilk powder's texture, but lacks the necessary acidity. Mix milk with lemon juice or vinegar first to sour it before using as a substitute.

Is powdered milk the same as buttermilk powder?

No. Powdered milk is made from just milk, while buttermilk powder comes from cultured buttermilk. They have different flavors and acidity levels. But powdered milk can work when an acid is also added.

What's a good vegan buttermilk powder substitute?

For a dairy-free option, mix canned coconut milk with lemon juice or vinegar. The coconut flavor comes through, so it works best in sweet baked goods. Soy or almond milk soured with vinegar can also substitute in a pinch.

Can I use buttermilk powder instead of baking powder or baking soda?

No, you cannot substitute buttermilk powder for baking powder or baking soda. Buttermilk powder is acidic and adds moisture, while baking powder and baking soda are chemical leaveners that make baked goods rise.

How long does buttermilk powder last if substituted for fresh buttermilk?

An opened package of buttermilk powder will last 6-8 months in the pantry. An unopened package can last up to 2 years in a cool, dry place. Always check the "best by" date and store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

With a bit of creativity, you can easily whip up a substitute for buttermilk powder using ingredients you likely have on hand.

While cultured buttermilk may provide the ideal flavor and texture, these handy swaps get the job done when you're out of the powdered stuff.