What is the best buttermilk substitute?

The best buttermilk substitute is milk + lemon juice — classic diy buttermilk. stir, let sit 5-10 minutes until curdled.

Can I use this substitute in baking?

Most of our listed substitutes work in baking. Check the description for each option — we note which work best for baked goods vs. cooking. When baking, always follow the exact ratio given.

Is there a dairy-free buttermilk substitute?

Some of the substitutes listed above are dairy-free. Check each option's description for dietary compatibility.

How much buttermilk substitute should I use?

Each substitute listed above includes exact ratios (e.g., "1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice"). Follow these precisely for best results, especially in baking where ratios are critical.

Will the taste change if I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, the taste may change slightly depending on which substitute you use. Some (like our top pick) have a neutral flavor. Others may add subtle notes — we describe these in each substitute's details so you can choose based on your recipe.

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Buttermilk Substitute

Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness to baked goods. Here's how to fake it when you don't have any.

Every cook has been there: you grab the Buttermilk, and the carton is empty. Or a guest mentions they're dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan, and suddenly your go-to recipe needs a rethink. That's exactly why we built this page — to give you the most reliable Buttermilk substitutes, ranked and tested, so you can keep cooking without a last-minute store run.

Why Buttermilk matters in a recipe: Buttermilk provides tenderness and tang (acid reacts with baking soda for lift). When you're making pancakes, biscuits, or fried chicken and the buttermilk is missing, you need a substitute that performs the same function — not just something that looks similar.

The golden rule of substitution: The acid in buttermilk activates baking soda — that's what makes pancakes fluffy and fried chicken tender. Any substitute MUST be acidic (add lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk).

Below, our top picks — starting with the best all-purpose substitute and working down to specialty options for specific recipes. Each entry includes the exact ratio so there's no guesswork. Bookmark this page — it's the one you'll reach for at 6 PM on a Tuesday when dinner is halfway done and you've just discovered you're missing a key ingredient.

6 Best Substitutes for Buttermilk

Milk + Lemon Juice

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice

Classic DIY buttermilk. Stir, let sit 5-10 minutes until curdled.

Milk + White Vinegar

1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar

Same method as lemon. Vinegar is more neutral-tasting in final bake.

Yogurt + Milk

¾ cup plain yogurt + ¼ cup milk = 1 cup

Thicker consistency. Closest flavor match to real buttermilk.

Sour Cream + Milk

¾ cup sour cream + ¼ cup milk = 1 cup

Rich and tangy. Perfect for pancakes and biscuits.

Kefir

1:1

Fermented milk drink. Nearly identical to buttermilk — use exactly the same.

Vegan Buttermilk

1 cup plant milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice

Use soy or almond milk. Soy curdles best — most like dairy buttermilk.

💡 Pro Tip

When substituting buttermilk, the best choice depends on what you're making. Baking is chemistry — stick to the recommended ratios. Cooking is more forgiving — feel free to experiment with amounts.

Buttermilk Substitute

6 Best Substitutes for Buttermilk

Milk + Lemon Juice

Milk + White Vinegar

Yogurt + Milk

Sour Cream + Milk

Kefir

Vegan Buttermilk

💡 Pro Tip

More Dairy & Eggs Substitutes

Milk Substitute

Butter Substitute

Eggs Substitute

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Dairy-Free Milk Guide

Butter Substitutes Guide

Half & Half Substitute