When a recipe calls for buttermilk but you need a Lactose-Free Buttermilk, have no fear-a recipe is near. This buttermilk substitute looks and tastes like buttermilk but without the lactose. Skip the upset tummy and use this option instead.
Buttermilk is a thick, sour milk that Grandma's have used in their kitchen for years. They knew that buttermilk's unmistakable flavor was the secret to amazing flavors in baked goods, sauces, and creamy dressings.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy
- Great Flavor
- Lactose-Free, Gluten Free, and Low FODMAP
Featured Ingredients
- Lactose-Free 2% Milk - Use what was in the fridge to make buttermilk. I like the Aldi brand of lactose free milk.
- Fresh Lemon Juice - The brightness and flavor of the lemon is great for buttermilk!
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions. Selected ingredients are based on guidance on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Pour 1 cup of lactose-free milk into a glass measuring cup. Remove 1 tablespoon of milk.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and stir. Let it sit and do its thing. Once it is thickened, it is good to go. It takes about 5-10 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
Heads-up on using unsweetened almond milk buttermilk.
I tested it out for you, and the lemon juice doesn't turn almond milk sour and fails to create the same chemical reaction. There is a fourth-grade science fair experiment idea with this. However, the flavor of the lemon and the almond milk will still create a flavor like buttermilk; it just doesn't thicken the almond milk as it does with dairy-based milk.
Ingredient Swaps
- White Vinegar - If you do not have lemon juice, use white vinegar from the pantry. It will do the same thing lemon juice does.
- Lactose-Free Milk - Anything other than skim milk will work for faux buttermilk. If you only have 1% or whole milk in the refrigerator, use what you have.
Variations
Dairy Milk Buttermilk - If you can tolerate lactose, this method for faux buttermilk will also work.
Lactose-Free Whole Milk Buttermilk-For a thicker, creamier version, use lactose-free whole milk. It will be closer to the real deal.
Low FODMAP Notes
Low FODMAP information is based on the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App testing results. I highly recommend using these apps for guidance on ingredients and serving sizes and working with a Low FODMAP dietician. As always, modify and adjust based on your own tolerance and individual needs on a modified low FODMAP diet.
- Lactose-Free Milk - Safe at 1 cup or 257 grams per meal.
- Lemon Juice - Safe at ½ cup or 125 grams per meal.
For additional information on a low FODMAP diet, please visit Monash University or FODMAP Friendly. Both have websites and apps for additional guidance and testing results.
FAQs
I have never seen it. However, it is simple and takes minutes to make your own. No need to buy it.
Because it only takes minutes to make, I wouldn't. I do not know what the lemon juice will do if it sits in milk for extended periods of time. It is the best plan to make a batch of low FODMAP buttermilk right before you need it.
Meal Planning
Use this buttermilk to make baked goods like biscuits, pancakes, and waffles or dressings like ranch. In recipes that call for buttermilk, you can replace the milk with this buttermilk recipe for extra flavor!
Additional Low FODMAP Sauces
Recipe
Lactose-Free Buttermilk
Ingredients
- 1 cup lactose free milk any percentage but skim
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Measure one cup of milk in a glass measuring cup.
- Remove 1 tablespoon of milk and discard.
- Add the lemon juice to the milk.
- Stir and let the milk sit. It will begin to curdle and essentially turn sour, like buttermilk.
- Use immediately in any recipe that calls for buttermilk.
Venessa says
I love this trick for buttermilk!