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Milk is a classic addition to coffee, making it less bitter and creamier. But, coffee lovers like to mix things up! They try different kinds of milk, even buttermilk. But, is buttermilk a good choice for your coffee?
Did you know you can add buttermilk to coffee? It might sound healthy, but its sour, buttery flavor can spoil your coffee’s taste. Maybe think twice before trying it!
Discover how buttermilk transforms your coffee! If you’re curious, we’ll also share some tasty buttermilk coffee recipes to try.
What Is Buttermilk?
Buttermilk comes from making butter – it’s what’s left after churning fermented cream. Its taste and feel change based on the butter type and how it’s made. There are three kinds: pure, cultured, or acidified.
Buttermilk, often found in baking soda bread and cakes, helps dough puff up thanks to its acidity. It’s also a tasty addition to salad dressings and sweet treats.
Why Coffee With Buttermilk Is a Big No-No
Buttermilk isn’t just for baking and sauces—it’s also added to coffee. However, we have some reasons why it might not be the best choice for your brew.
Your coffee will taste sour
Buttermilk won’t make your coffee sweet. It’s more like yogurt, sour, because of the bacteria that create a tangy taste. Over time, it turns bad, losing its flavor. So, it’s quite different from regular milk in your coffee.
Your coffee will have curds
Some coffee lovers adore their brew thick and rich, almost like syrup. Adding buttermilk can do just that, making your coffee wonderfully thick. It’s because buttermilk has more lactic acid than regular milk, which makes the proteins in it solidify, giving your coffee a unique texture.
When milk in your coffee turns lumpy, it’s not harmful, but it sure doesn’t make for a smooth sip. These buttermilk-like curds can be off-putting during your coffee moment.
Benefits of Adding Buttermilk to Coffee
It’s good for digestion
Did you know buttermilk is easier on your stomach? Healthline says its bacteria changes lactose into lactic acid. This means it’s also better for those who are lactose-intolerant because it has less lactose than regular milk.
It’s a healthy milk alternative
Buttermilk is a nutritious choice with just 0.9 grams of fat, 4.8 grams of sugar, and 40 calories per 100 grams. It’s packed with calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscles.
It has a long shelf life
Coffee lovers, did you know? The natural acidity in buttermilk stops bad bacteria from growing. That’s why, when you keep it in the fridge, opened buttermilk stays fresh for up to two weeks and can last three months in the freezer. Just remember, don’t use it in your coffee after it expires!
How to Make Coffee Beverages with Buttermilk
Buttermilk can make your coffee unique. Check out these coffee drinks with buttermilk to try brewing at home.
Iced buttermilk coffee
For a refreshing iced coffee, start by filling your glass halfway with ice. Then, pour in your favorite coffee, whether it’s from a French press or drip machine. To give it a creamy twist, add a splash of buttermilk. It’ll have a tangy flavor, so you might want to sweeten it up. Check out how to do that without sugar here.
Iced buttermilk latte
To make a delicious 8 oz iced latte, grab some ice cubes, mix 1 part espresso with 3 parts cold buttermilk, and stir well. Add a bit of sweetener or syrup to balance the tangy flavor of the buttermilk. Enjoy!
Buttermilk cold brew
Did you know you can whip up delicious cold brew coffee with a French press? Just let it brew for 24 hours, then strain. Mix 1 part of this rich concentrate with a splash of buttermilk. Sweeten the deal with some sugar or vanilla syrup for an extra tasty twist!
No buttermilk? No problem! Just slice some butter to whip up a creamy bulletproof coffee.
Other Milk Substitutes for Your Coffee
Buttermilk might be healthy, but it’s not always the top pick for coffee. If you’re unsure, consider trying some non-dairy milks instead.
Oat milk
Oat milk is made by soaking oats in water, blending them, and then straining out the liquid. It’s creamy and froths up beautifully, making it a top pick for non-dairy milk in coffee. Plus, it’s a sweet, vegan-friendly option that mimics the taste of real milk closely.
Rice milk
Rice milk is another plant-based choice. It’s gentle in flavor, letting your coffee’s taste shine through. However, it’s quite thin, making it tricky to froth for those creamy drinks.
Potato milk
Believe it or not, potato milk is a thing! It tastes slightly sweet and has a hint of potato in its aroma and flavor. While it’s not as frothy as dairy milk, it’s an excellent choice for those looking for a milk alternative that’s free from many allergens.
Walnut milk
If you’re exploring non-dairy milks and crave something sweet, creamy, and with a nutty twist, give walnut milk a shot. It’s packed with nutrients and low in calories. But, keep in mind, it’s high in fatty acids, so it might not be the best pick if you’re focusing on weight loss.
Almond milk
This nut milk adds a sweet, nutty twist to iced coffee, despite being a tad watery and low in protein. But guess what? You can still foam almond milk for a creamy cappuccino. Just remember, mixing cold milk with hot or acidic coffee might create curds.
Soy milk
Soy milk stands out because it’s packed with protein. It might not be as creamy as regular milk, but it’s low in fat and can still make your coffee frothy. It has a slight sweetness with a hint of bean flavor. Remember, once you open it, you’ve got about ten days to use it up, which is a bit quicker than other non-dairy options.
Coconut milk
Among all the plant-based milks, coconut milk stands out as the creamiest. It’s not only healthy but also has just the right amount of fat to whip up a nice foam. Plus, it’s naturally sweet, so go easy on adding extra sugar to your coffee!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vegans drink buttermilk?
Buttermilk is not vegan-friendly. It’s the liquid from churned butter, which is a dairy product.
Is buttermilk keto-friendly?
The answer depends on the amount consumed. A glass of buttermilk has 12 grams of carbohydrates, which isn’t acceptable for a ketogenic diet. But if it’s just a tablespoon or two, it may be keto-friendly.
Can you use powdered buttermilk for coffee?
Powdered buttermilk is dried and pulverized buttermilk. You usually use a food dehydrator to create this powder from scratch. It is a good baking ingredient but not suitable for your coffee.
The Final Verdict
Enjoying your coffee should be a delightful experience, but adding buttermilk can ruin it. Unlike other milks, buttermilk has a sour taste and is too thick, making it a poor choice for your brew.
If you love a bit of milk in your coffee, don’t worry! There are plenty of healthy milk alternatives that taste great and are better for you than buttermilk. For a creamy treat, why not explore delicious options like breve coffee or latte macchiato? These drinks are perfect for satisfying those milky coffee desires.
