Whole Milk vs Buttermilk

A side-by-side guide to substituting Buttermilk for Whole Milk (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Buttermilk works as a 1:1 swap for Whole Milk in most recipes.

Side-by-side

Whole Milk

Base unit: cup

Read the full guide: Whole Milk

Buttermilk

Conversion: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount)

Tags: common

Notes: Buttermilk is thicker and more acidic, adding tanginess. Reduce other liquids slightly in baking; reacts with baking soda to aid leavening.

Read the full guide: Buttermilk

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When to use Buttermilk instead of Whole Milk

Buttermilk is thicker and more acidic, adding tanginess. Reduce other liquids slightly in baking; reacts with baking soda to aid leavening. The conversion is 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

Common questions

Can I substitute Buttermilk for Whole Milk?

Yes — Buttermilk is thicker and more acidic, adding tanginess. Reduce other liquids slightly in baking; reacts with baking soda to aid leavening. Ratio: 1:1 substitution (use the same amount).

What's the conversion ratio for Whole Milk to Buttermilk?

1:1 substitution (use the same amount). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Whole Milk and Buttermilk interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Buttermilk is thicker and more acidic, adding tanginess..

Is Buttermilk a better substitute than other options for Whole Milk?

Buttermilk is one of the options SubSwap lists for Whole Milk. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Whole Milk substitutes.

Looking for more Whole Milk substitutes beyond Buttermilk?

See all Whole Milk swaps →