Why Kefir Makes a Great Substitute for Buttermilk (2024)

FAQs

Why Kefir Makes a Great Substitute for Buttermilk? ›

Unflavored kefir is a fermented milk beverage that looks and tastes like buttermilk ( 6 ). You can use plain kefir to replace buttermilk cup for cup. Therefore, if your recipe calls for 1 cup (240 mL) of buttermilk, simply substitute 1 cup (240 mL) of kefir.

You can use an equal amount of kefir for buttermilk in any recipe—just make sure it's unsweetened, unflavored kefir. (Use any leftover kefir to make a lovely beet soup, a dressing for fruit salad, or to flavor mashed potatoes.)

Buttermilk is the lower carbohydrate option, as it provides 13 grams of carbohydrates per 8-ounce serving, compared to the 15 grams in an 8-ounce serving of kefir. The difference comes from the grains used to make kefir, as this adds 3 grams of dietary fiber.

24 Hours. After 24 hours of culturing, the finished kefir will be a bit thick, similar to buttermilk or heavy cream. It will have stronger flavor. It shouldn't be overpowering, but it will have a distinctly tangy, sometimes yeasty kefir flavor.

Simply marinate the chicken in Green Valley Lactose-Free Plain Kefir just as you would with buttermilk making the meat tender and flavorful while maintaining a delicious crunch on the outside.

Use a 1-to-1 ratio when substituting for buttermilk, sour cream, milk and yogurt when cooking or baking – from cookies, crumbles, breads, biscuits – even your favorite pancake or waffle mix!

Kefir helps lower your blood pressure, manage your cholesterol levels, and improve your triglycerides (fats in the blood). It may even help prevent future cardiac events. Kefir is a good source of calcium, which you need for good bone health.

While yogurt may have just two beneficial cultures, kefir can contain more than 50 strains of bacteria and yeast. This, when consumed, can increase microbial diversity and reduce inflammation in the gut. It's also a good source of calcium, protein and minerals.

Kefir is a more powerful probiotic than yogurt

Yogurt is the best-known probiotic food in the Western diet, but kefir is actually a much more potent source. Kefir grains contain up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeasts, making them a very rich and diverse probiotic source, though this diversity may vary ( 7 ).

Adding kefir to your diet can be an easy and delicious way to increase your intake of probiotics. However, drinking too much can have several side effects, including digestive issues. It also contains carbs and a small amount of alcohol, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

How long does kefir last in the fridge? ›

Kefir can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. However, it will continue to ferment and become more sour over time. If you do not plan on drinking it within two weeks, you can store it in the freezer for up to six months.

There is no set amount of Kefir you can eat. We recommend that you eat it as part of a healthy balanced diet in line with Government guidelines such as the Eatwell guide. We typically say a normal daily portion is 250ml (which is what is traditionally given to kids in schools in Russia!)

Unflavored kefir is a fermented milk beverage that looks and tastes like buttermilk ( 6 ). You can use plain kefir to replace buttermilk cup for cup. Therefore, if your recipe calls for 1 cup (240 mL) of buttermilk, simply substitute 1 cup (240 mL) of kefir.

For each cup of buttermilk needed, use 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand for 5 minutes. If you're out of milk, these are the best milk substitutes.

The simplest way to substitute buttermilk is to pour 1 Tbs. of vinegar into a 1 cup measurer and then fill the rest of the measuring cup with milk. Then gently stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If you don't have vinegar, lemon juice and cream of tarter also work as great buttermilk substitutions.

What is buttermilk exactly? Originally, this buttermilk is the liquid from the fresh milk that remains after the butter churn has been made. It is a fermented milk that is created by mixing milk and an acidic ingredient.

Pour it over your cereal just like you would milk. Kefir makes a great tangy and tart base for your breakfast! Mix it in a smoothie! Do you typically use yogurt as a base for your smoothies, we go for the extra probiotics and use kefir instead.