Milk + White Vinegar Substitute for Buttermilk: Exact Ratio
Looking for a buttermilk substitute? Milk + White Vinegar works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. This swap works best for baking, biscuits, cornbread.
Best Substitute
Milk + White Vinegar
1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar
Same technique as lemon juice. Let curdle 5-10 minutes before using.
Flavor & Texture Change
Vinegar gives a sharper acidity than lemon juice. After baking, the difference is undetectable. For uncooked uses, lemon juice tastes better.
When Not to Use
Same as lemon juice: do not skip curdling time. White vinegar can leave a faint sharpness if used in uncooked applications like dressings.
Tips When Replacing Buttermilk in Recipes
Buttermilk's acidity activates baking soda, creating lift and tenderness. Any substitute must be acidic to replicate this chemical reaction. It also tenderizes gluten, making baked goods softer.
What Is Buttermilk and Why Substitute It?
A tangy, slightly thick fermented dairy product used in baking and marinades. Its acidity reacts with leavening agents to create lift in baked goods and tenderizes proteins in marinades.
Milk + White Vinegar is one of 6 alternatives you can use instead of buttermilk. For a complete list of buttermilk substitutes with ratios and cooking tips, visit the full buttermilk substitute page.
What Else Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
Milk + Lemon Juice instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Plain Yogurt + Water instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Sour Cream + Water instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Cream of Tartar + Milk instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Plant Milk + Lemon Juice instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk + white vinegar instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use milk + white vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar. Same technique as lemon juice. Let curdle 5-10 minutes before using.
How much milk + white vinegar equals buttermilk?
Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar to replace buttermilk with milk + white vinegar. Works best for baking, biscuits, cornbread.
What is the best substitute for buttermilk?
Milk + White Vinegar is a popular substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp white vinegar for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our buttermilk substitute page.
Does milk + white vinegar change the taste when replacing buttermilk?
Same as lemon juice: do not skip curdling time. White vinegar can leave a faint sharpness if used in uncooked applications like dressings.