Dairy
Vegan alternative to buttermilk
Short answer
Soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup is the best all-round replacement for buttermilk — pancakes, biscuits, soda bread. 1:1 after resting the acidulated milk 5 minutes.
Why buttermilk isn't vegan
A dairy by-product of churning butter.
Best vegan substitutes
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| Soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup | Pancakes, biscuits, soda bread |
| Plant yogurt thinned with water | Marinades and fried coatings |
Conversion ratio
1:1 after resting the acidulated milk 5 minutes.
Pro tip
Soy curdles most reliably; oat and almond stay thin and give a flatter crumb.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best vegan alternative to buttermilk?
- Soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice per cup is the closest all-round swap — pancakes, biscuits, soda bread. 1:1 after resting the acidulated milk 5 minutes.
- Why isn't buttermilk vegan?
- A dairy by-product of churning butter.
- How much do I use instead of buttermilk?
- 1:1 after resting the acidulated milk 5 minutes.
- Any tips for getting it right?
- Soy curdles most reliably; oat and almond stay thin and give a flatter crumb.
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