Buttermilk powder has become especially popular among cooks for its compatibility with almost any dessert recipe. With its moisture management and ease of working, buttermilk powder is truly a joy to have in the kitchen.
However, there are instances where some things might be better suited for recipes than buttermilk powder. At the same time, you might want to try something new for a change.
What is the best substitute for buttermilk powder? Whole milk has emerged as the ideal substitute for buttermilk powder, thanks to its many similarities. You can find whole milk in the powdered form and it offers a similar flavor to buttermilk powder.
An Overview of Buttermilk Powder
Buttermilk powder is a famous kitchen component – especially for people looking to make desserts and bake different options. In itself, it works as a replacement for liquid buttermilk – and it does a pretty good job of that.
Buttermilk powder is made from low-fat buttermilk. The buttermilk is concentrated with an evaporator, then it is either roller-dried or spray-dried to create a smooth powder. Beyond baking, buttermilk powder is also used to dress up produce, flavor dips, and make marinades. In some situations, you could even use it in making ice cream.
Although there are variations based on weight, buttermilk tends to have a moisture content of about 5 percent or less. This is why it is a popular choice in making desserts.
Why Replace Buttermilk Powder?
Taste considerations: Sometimes, it becomes necessary to change your taste and try something new.
- Non-availability: If you can’t find any buttermilk powder around and you’re pressed for time, you will need a substitute to work in its stead.
- Allergies: Some people are also lactose intolerant and unable to take dairy products. For these people, it is important to get a good substitute to go with their recipes.
Options for Buttermilk Powder Substitutes
Best Overall Substitute for Buttermilk Powder: Whole Milk
In itself, buttermilk powder is derived from whole milk. So, using the latter as an alternative definitely makes some sense. Both have similar flavor levels, although of course, the primary difference between the two is that whole milk is in liquid form.
For most of the time, whole milk helps to reduce acidity in dishes and recipes. It is especially potent in recipes that include baking soda. Adding it to a recipe will do impressive things when it comes to cutting down on the acidity.
Beyond that, however, whole milk also works in several dishes like a charm. If you can’t find a packet of buttermilk powder and you’re fine with adding some liquid content to your recipe instead, feel free to grab some whole milk.
In fact, people looking for strict powder could just as well get whole milk powder. The truth is that some dishes might not overly accommodate the liquid form of whole milk, and whole milk powder will be better.
Some people love using buttermilk powder in making meals like alfredo pasta. However, if you decide to add the liquid form of whole milk, you might end up with a bit of a watery pasta. It will take a lot of skill to do this and come out with an ideal result. Thankfully, whole milk powder is there to make things easier.
Best Substitute for Making Soup: Yoghurt
If you’re looking to make some soup and you don’t have any buttermilk powder available, yoghurt could be an interesting alternative. Like buttermilk powder, plain yoghurt comes with an acidic, tangy flavor. So, it doesn’t do so bad when you think about it.
However, working with yoghurt comes with some warnings. For instance, you might find that it would be better for you to thin the yoghurt with some milk or water. If you’re looking to make a cake or some other recipe that will make a thin batter, this is especially important.
When it comes to proportions, it would be better for you to mix ¾ of a cup of plain yoghurt with ¼ of a cup of milk or water. Whisk the mixture well until you get a smooth outcome, and you’re ready to go.
Interestingly, you could also try Greek yoghurt. With a thicker consistency than plain yoghurt, Greek yoghurt could be an even better direct alternative to buttermilk powder.
Best Substitute for Making Biscuits: Cream of Tartar
Also known as potassium bitartrate, cream of tartar is another impressive substitute for buttermilk powder. When combined with milk, the white powder works pretty well – especially in making biscuits and several other quick baking projects.
Cream of tartar is obtained from the wine-making process. It has a bit of a neutral flavor, so it doesn’t exactly taste like buttermilk powder. However, a little milk should help improve its flavor profile and make it more palatable.
Note that cream tartar tends to clump up when you stir it directly into some milk. For your best results, you want to mix it with other dry ingredients in your cooking recipe before you introduce the milk into the mix. Also, you could whisk the cream of tartar with two tablespoons of milk, then add the remaining mixture to the rest of the milk. This helps to avoid the occurrence of any clumps.
You should also keep in mind that there are rules for combinations. For the best results, use 1¾ teaspoons of cream of tartar with 1 cup of milk.
Best Dairy-Free Option: Vegan Sour Cream
In truth, there are quite a lot of vegan options that could work in some way or the other as substitutes for buttermilk powder. However, vegan sour cream stands out for its versatility.
You can use vegan sour cream alone and with some water. Using it alone works well in baking recipes, but you should note that this will add a significant sour tinge to the mix that will definitely end up affecting the taste.
When you use sour cream with water, you must consider the measurements. The best results will require half a cup of both. From there, you can make adjustments to the two of them based on your requirements and how you would like the recipe to taste.
Remember that vegan sour cream doesn’t exactly taste like buttermilk powder. However, it works as a great dairy-free solution nonetheless.