Plant Milk + Lemon Juice Substitute for Buttermilk: Exact Ratio
Looking for a buttermilk substitute? Plant Milk + Lemon Juice works as a direct replacement. Use 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice in any recipe that calls for buttermilk. This swap works best for vegan baking, pancakes, muffins.
Best Substitute
Plant Milk + Lemon Juice
1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Soy milk curdles best. Oat and almond milk also work but curdle less visibly.
Flavor & Texture Change
Soy version is closest to dairy buttermilk in tang and body. Oat milk version is slightly sweeter and creamier. Almond milk version is thinner and less tangy.
When Not to Use
Soy milk curdles best. Almond and coconut milk barely curdle at all and produce a thinner substitute. Rice milk is too thin and does not work well.
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.
Plant Milk + Lemon Juice 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 →
Milk + White Vinegar instead of Buttermilk
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Plain Yogurt + Water instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Sour Cream + Water instead of Buttermilk
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Cream of Tartar + Milk instead of Buttermilk
View substitute ratio →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plant milk + lemon juice instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use plant milk + lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice. Soy milk curdles best. Oat and almond milk also work but curdle less visibly.
How much plant milk + lemon juice equals buttermilk?
Use 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice to replace buttermilk with plant milk + lemon juice. Works best for vegan baking, pancakes, muffins.
What is the best substitute for buttermilk?
Plant Milk + Lemon Juice is a popular substitute for buttermilk. Use 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice for a 1-to-1 replacement. See all 6 alternatives on our buttermilk substitute page.
Does plant milk + lemon juice change the taste when replacing buttermilk?
Soy milk curdles best. Almond and coconut milk barely curdle at all and produce a thinner substitute. Rice milk is too thin and does not work well.
Is plant milk + lemon juice a vegan substitute for buttermilk?
Yes, plant milk + lemon juice is vegan and works as a plant-based alternative to buttermilk. Use 1 cup soy milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.