Published September 25, 2026
The best buttermilk substitute is 1 cup of milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, rested for 5 to 10 minutes. The acid thickens the milk slightly and gives it the tang that makes pancakes and biscuits rise and taste the way they should.
By Jon Simon, editor and food historian, creating food content since 2020. About the author.
Quick answer
Milk and lemon juice: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir the lemon juice into the milk and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until it looks slightly thickened. White vinegar works the same way.
4 buttermilk substitutes that work
| Swap | Ratio | Best for | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk and lemon juice | 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Pancakes, biscuits, quick breads | Vegetarian, Egg-free, Gluten-free |
| Plain yogurt and milk | ¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup milk | Cakes, marinades, dressings | Vegetarian, Egg-free, Gluten-free |
| Plain kefir | 1 cup kefir for 1 cup buttermilk | Any recipe, including dressings | Vegetarian, Egg-free, Gluten-free |
| Soy milk and lemon juice | 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice | Dairy-free pancakes and cakes | Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Gluten-free |
Milk and lemon juice
1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir the lemon juice into the milk and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes, until it looks slightly thickened. White vinegar works the same way.
Plain yogurt and milk
¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup milk. Whisk plain yogurt with milk until smooth and pourable. The result is thicker and tangier than the lemon method, which suits cakes and marinades.
Plain kefir
1 cup kefir for 1 cup buttermilk. Use plain kefir straight from the bottle. It is already cultured, tangy, and pourable, so no resting time is needed.
Soy milk and lemon juice
1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Use unsweetened soy milk and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Its protein content lets it thicken with acid in much the same way dairy milk does.
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Allergy note: product formulas vary, so check the label of every substitute you buy for allergens.
Medical Disclaimer: The nutritional information and diabetic-friendly adaptations provided in this article are for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we are culinary experts, not medical doctors. Individual responses to foods vary, so always consult your healthcare provider or registered dietitian about dietary changes, especially if you’re managing diabetes or other health conditions. Always monitor your blood sugar as your healthcare team recommends.
