Buttermilk or Almond Milk – the Better Fit Beverage?

Rohit Panwar

Have you ever felt stuck with the question of consuming buttermilk versus almond milk? Do you want to know the similarities and differences between them?

Worry not, as I bring you must know information about both so you can choose what will work best for you.

Buttermilk versus Almond milk

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Buttermilk Versus Almond Milk: Comparing Them on 15 Metrics

The table below compares buttermilk and almond milk on various criteria

BASE INGREDIENTS
Buttermilk

Milk & Citric acid

Almond Milk

Almonds & Water

TASTE
Buttermilk

Sour 

Almond Milk

Nutty & sweet

DAILY INTAKE
Buttermilk

1 cup

Almond Milk

1 cup

CALORIES
Buttermilk

152*

Almond Milk

39.3*

FAT CONTENT 
Buttermilk

8 g*

Almond Milk

2.5 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Buttermilk

8 g*

Almond Milk

1 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Buttermilk

281.8 mg*

Almond Milk

46-482 mg*

SUGGESTED TIME
Buttermilk

Morning or Noon

Almond Milk

Noon

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Buttermilk

Negative

Almond Milk

Okay 

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Buttermilk

No

Almond Milk

Yes

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Buttermilk

Very Good

Almond Milk

Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Buttermilk

Very good

Almond Milk

Good

BODILY COOLING EFFECT
Buttermilk

Very good

Almond Milk

Good

BODILY HYDRATION IMPACT
Buttermilk

Very good

Almond Milk

Good

ADDITIVES
Buttermilk

Pepper

Almond Milk

Honey

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

I hope that my table gave you a clear picture of consuming buttermilk versus almond milk.

If not, let me elaborate on each point for you to understand better –

Know the  Base Ingredients in Buttermilk & Almond milk Preparation

The base ingredient for buttermilk preparation is cow’s milk. While traditional buttermilk is basically the liquid leftover from making butter, in the modern age it is made by curdling cow’s milk with lemon or vinegar. 

Almond milk is made by grinding soaked almonds with water. As the name suggests, almonds are the base ingredient here. The thickness of the milk depends on the amount of water added.

Understanding the Taste of Buttermilk & Almond milk

Buttermilk has a tangy and slightly sour taste to it due to the fermentation that happens during its production. It tastes even better when fresh mint and coriander are added to it.

Almond milk on the other hand has a nutty, slightly sweet taste owing to the almonds. So if you are thinking, “can I use almond milk instead of buttermilk for making pancakes?” Of Course yes, as it adds great flavour to the dish. 

Suggested Daily Intake of Buttermilk & Almond milk

For both buttermilk and almond milk, a cup is suggested for daily consumption. 

Taking more than a cup for both is also ok. However, restricting the consumption of both to 1 cup will prove ideal.

Get The Required Calories With Buttermilk and Almond Milk

Both buttermilk and almond milk are low in calories as per USDA. Out of both, almond milk contains even fewer calories.

If you have a sweet tooth, like baking and are thinking, “can I use almond milk instead of buttermilk for making cakes?” YES, you totally can. That way you eat tasty cake and still stay in shape.

Drink Buttermilk and Almond Milk for A Fit Body

The amount of fat present in almond milk is very less when compared to buttermilk made from whole milk. This makes it a go-to option for people who want to shed some extra weight.

While buttermilk is naturally low in calories, you can opt for low-fat based buttermilk for even lower calorie and fat content.

Build A Stronger Body with Proteins in Buttermilk and Almond Milk

The amount of protein in buttermilk is way higher as compared to almond milk. This is because buttermilk is dairy-based which is naturally a rich source of protein.

In case you are thinking, “Can I use buttermilk instead of almond milk for strengthening the body?” Yes, It can be a better choice.

Get The Required Calcium Boost With Buttermilk and Almond Milk

Since buttermilk is made from dairy milk, it is a good source of calcium. Regular intake of it will ensure a decent calcium supply to your bones. 

When compared to milk, almonds are low in calcium. Therefore homemade milk is low in calcium. However, market versions of almond milk are often fortified with calcium to make it as calcium-rich nutritious as dairy.

Best Time To Consume Buttermilk  & Almond Milk

The best time to consume buttermilk is in the morning. Reason being it helps in digestion and acts as an energy booster.

On the contrary, almond milk is best to be taken during the day as it helps make you feel replenished.

Stay Eco-Conscious By Knowing the Environmental Impact of Buttermilk  & Almond Milk

Buttermilk or for that matter any dairy product has a negative impact on the environment. Cattle raising means more grazing of lands means more cutting of trees and carbon emission.

Almond milk has a lower impact on the environment when compared to buttermilk. However, despite being plant-based, almond milk also has a negative impact on the environment.  This is because of the high water consumption in almond production. 

Buttermilk or Almond Milk – Which Is Vegan Friendly?

Buttermilk is not vegan friendly as it is made from cow’s milk. In short, it is from an animal source.

On the contrary almond milk is completely vegan friendly since it is made from a plant and is considered one of the best vegan-friendly milk options available. 

Consume Buttermilk or Almond Milk To Maintain Good Oral Health

Buttermilk contributes to good oral health as the calcium strengthens teeth and its cooling properties keeps the mouth hydrated.

Market versions of Almond milk are rich in calcium and other vitamins that help in keeping teeth and bones strong.

Take Care of Your Tummy With Buttermilk & Almond milk

Buttermilk helps in the easy digestion of foods and keeps your gut healthy with good bacteria.

Both Almond milk and buttermilk are great options for people suffering from constipation. They help in building better washroom habits.

Keep Your Body Cool With Buttermilk & Almond Milk

One of the most important benefits of buttermilk is its excellent cooling properties. It cools the body and helps to maintain the temperature of the human body.

Almond milk has also been traditionally considered a good source for cooling the body as well. The age-old habit of consuming soaked almonds in summer proves its cooling properties.

Stay Hydrated With Buttermilk & Almond Milk

Both buttermilk and almond milk have a high water content that replenishes the body and keeps it hydrated.

Regular consumption of buttermilk and almond milk keeps your skin healthy. 

Nourishing Additives That Complement Buttermilk & Almond Milk

Buttermilk is consumed with different spices and herbs in different parts of the world. Some of the common ones include pepper, coriander, parsley and thyme etc.

Almond milk is great when consumed with honey and dates. This can also be added to your tea/coffee or smoothies. 

Buttermilk and almond milk have equal benefits but one can choose between the two based on different needs, beliefs and expected outcomes. 

Thank you for reading my blog till the end. I hope that you found the answer to your initial question of, ‘Consuming buttermilk versus almond milk’.

Looking forward to more questions from your side in the comments section below.

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.