Where to Buy Buttermilk

Grocery Stores that Sell Buttermilk
One of the easiest places to find buttermilk is at your local grocery store. Most large supermarkets carry it in their dairy section, often near the cream and yogurt. Look for it in the refrigerated section, typically in quart or pint-sized containers. If you’re having trouble locating it, ask a store employee for help.
Some common grocery store chains that carry buttermilk include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Whole Foods Market
In addition to traditional buttermilk, many grocery stores also carry low-fat and non-fat versions, as well as organic options. Some stores may also carry cultured buttermilk, which has added bacterial cultures for a tangier flavor.
When shopping for buttermilk at the grocery store, check the expiration date and make sure to choose a container with the longest shelf life. Once opened, store buttermilk in the refrigerator and use within a week or two. If you don’t think you’ll use it all in time, consider freezing it in an airtight container for later use.
Specialty Stores and Online Retailers
If you’re looking for a wider selection of buttermilk or want to try something more unique, consider checking out specialty stores or online retailers. These options can offer different types of buttermilk, such as raw or goat’s milk buttermilk, as well as organic or artisanal options.
Specialty stores that may carry buttermilk include:
- Health food stores
- Local dairy farms or creameries
- Farmers markets
- Cheese shops
Online retailers that sell buttermilk include:
- Amazon
- Thrive Market
- Bob’s Red Mill
- iHerb
When buying buttermilk from specialty stores or online, be aware of shipping costs and minimum purchase requirements. Some retailers may also require overnight or expedited shipping to maintain the quality of the product, so factor in additional costs and time when ordering.
It’s also important to check the reputation and reviews of any online retailer before making a purchase to ensure they are reputable and provide high-quality products.
Making Your Own Buttermilk
If you can’t find buttermilk at your local grocery store or prefer to make your own, it’s surprisingly easy to do so. All you need is milk and an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar.
Here’s how to make your own buttermilk:
- Pour one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a measuring cup.
- Add enough milk to make one cup.
- Stir and let sit for about 10 minutes.
- The milk will curdle and thicken, resembling traditional buttermilk.
Once you’ve made your own buttermilk, you can use it in recipes or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you’re making a recipe that requires a larger amount of buttermilk, simply increase the proportions accordingly. For example, if a recipe calls for two cups of buttermilk, add two tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to two cups of milk.
Making your own buttermilk is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and freshness of the product.
Tips for Buying and Storing Buttermilk
Whether you’re buying buttermilk at the grocery store or making your own, here are some tips for ensuring the best quality and shelf life:
- Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date on store-bought buttermilk and use the oldest container first.
- Smell and taste: Before using buttermilk, give it a sniff and a taste to ensure it hasn’t gone bad. Spoiled buttermilk will have a sour smell and taste.
- Store properly: Store buttermilk in the refrigerator at all times and use within a week or two of opening. If you won’t use it all in time, freeze it in an airtight container for later use.
- Shake well: Before using buttermilk, give the container a good shake to redistribute any settled solids.
- Use in recipes: Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pancakes, biscuits, dressings, and marinades. Experiment with different recipes to find your favorites.
- Substitute with caution: If you’re out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and an acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may not be exactly the same.
Introduction to Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a dairy product that has been used in cooking and baking for centuries. It is made from the liquid left over after churning butter, which has a slightly acidic taste due to the fermentation process. Traditionally, buttermilk was made by leaving the cream to sit at room temperature until it soured, but modern methods involve adding bacterial cultures to milk to create a similar effect.
Buttermilk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pancakes, biscuits, dressings, and marinades. It is also a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine, where it is used in dishes such as fried chicken and cornbread.
In addition to its culinary uses, buttermilk is also known for its health benefits. It is low in fat and calories, high in protein, and contains probiotics that can promote digestive health.
When shopping for buttermilk, there are a variety of options available, from traditional to low-fat and organic varieties. If you can’t find buttermilk at your local grocery store, it’s easy to make your own at home with just a few simple ingredients.